A new study has revealed that the human body has its own “backup plan” for blood sugar control – and it may help explain new ways of treating type 2 diabetes.
Researchers from Duke University have found that, under certain conditions, cells in the pancreas can produce GLP-1 – the same hormone mimicked by diabetes medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is normally produced in the gut.
It plays a vital role in lowering blood sugar by stimulating insulin release.
Drugs like Ozempic are synthetic versions of GLP-1, prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss.
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Until now, scientists believed that pancreatic alpha cells only made glucagon – a hormone that raises blood sugar.
But this new research shows that, when glucagon production is blocked, these cells can “switch gears” and start making GLP-1 instead.
What the study found
The study, published in Science Advances, examined pancreatic tissue from both mice and humans.
Key findings include:
- When glucagon production was reduced, alpha cells ramped up GLP-1 output. This increase in GLP-1 boosted insulin release and improved blood sugar control.
- Human pancreatic tissue produced particularly high levels of bioactive GLP-1, directly linked to insulin secretion.
Dr Jonathan Campbell, senior author of the study, explained: “Alpha cells are more flexible than we imagined. They can adjust their hormone output to support beta cells and maintain blood sugar balance.”
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Why this matters for diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas struggles to make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels in check.
If researchers can find safe ways to trigger GLP-1 production in the pancreas, it could provide a more natural method of boosting insulin release – potentially complementing or even reducing the need for medications.
The team also found that altering specific enzymes in alpha cells changed how much GLP-1 was produced, offering further clues for future treatments.
More research is needed to understand how this “backup system” can be activated safely in people with diabetes.
But the discovery points to a promising new area of therapy – one that uses the body’s own flexibility to improve blood sugar control.
As Dr Campbell put it: “The ability to switch from glucagon to GLP-1 in times of metabolic stress may be a critical way the body maintains blood sugar control.”
