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Incretin hormones are a group of metabolic hormones that play an important role in glucose metabolism and insulin regulation in the body. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is one of the primary incretin hormones. It is secreted by the intestines in response to food intake and enhances the secretion of insulin from the pancreas, thereby helping to lower blood glucose levels.
In addition to stimulating insulin release, GLP-1 also inhibits glucagon secretion, slows gastric emptying, and promotes satiety, making it a crucial component in maintaining glucose homeostasis. This multifaceted role in regulating blood sugar levels after meals distinguishes GLP-1 as a key incretin hormone.
The other options listed do not classify as incretin hormones. Insulin is primarily secreted from the pancreas in response to high blood glucose levels but is not classified as an incretin. Glucagon, also produced by the pancreas, has the opposite effect of insulin, raising blood glucose levels when they are low, and is not involved in incretin function. Somatostatin, another hormone produced in the pancreas and hypothalamus, generally inhibits the secretion of other hormones and is not involved in incretin activity. This understanding of the functions and