The role of GLP-1 in postprandial glucose metabolism after bariatric surgery: a narrative review of human GLP-1 receptor antagonist studies

Surg Obes Relat Dis. 2021 Jul;17(7):1383-1391. doi: 10.1016/j.soard.2021.01.041. Epub 2021 Feb 9.

Abstract

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) bariatric procedures lead to remission or improvement of type 2 diabetes. A weight loss-independent augmentation of postprandial insulin secretion contributes to the improvement in glycemic control after RYGB and is associated with a ∼10-fold increase in plasma concentrations of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). However, the physiologic importance of the markedly increased postprandial GLP-1 secretion after RYGB has been much debated. The effect of GLP-1 receptor blockade after RYGB has been investigated in 12 studies. The studies indicate a shift toward a more prominent role for GLP-1 in postprandial β-cell function after RYGB. The effect of GLP-1 receptor antagonism on glucose tolerance after RYGB is more complex and is associated with important methodological challenges. The postprandial GLP-1 response is less enhanced after SG compared with RYGB. However, the effect of GLP-1 receptor blockade after SG has been examined in 1 study only and needs further investigation.

Keywords: Exendin; Glucagon-like peptide-1; Roux-en-Y gastric bypass; Sleeve gastrectomy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bariatric Surgery*
  • Blood Glucose
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2*
  • Gastrectomy
  • Gastric Bypass*
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
  • Humans
  • Insulin

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
  • Insulin
  • Glucagon-Like Peptide 1