glucagon-like peptide

noun

Medical Definition of glucagon-like peptide

: either of two intestinal hormones secreted together when nutrients (such as carbohydrates and lipids) are present in the small intestine:
a or glucagon-like peptide 1 : one that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, stomach emptying, and food intake The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved agents that increase blood glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) activity or levels and stimulate insulin secretion (in a glucose-dependent manner) while inhibiting glucagon secretion.— Faramarz Ismail-Beigi, The New England Journal of Medicine, 5 Apr. 2012
b or glucagon-like peptide 2 : one that stimulates cell proliferation in the intestinal mucosa and has little effect on insulin secretion