GLP-1 induced glucagon supression and the role of vagal activity
Research type
Research Study
Full title
GlucaVag: Investigating the role of vagal activity for the inhibitory effect of glucagon-like peptide 1 on glucagon secretion
IRAS ID
327603
Contact name
Tricia Tan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
This study will look at the way in which the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) influences blood sugar levels. One effect of GLP-1 is to reduce the secretion of another hormone, glucagon. Because glucagon increases blood sugar levels, this effect helps GLP-1 and medicines based on GLP-1 to reduce blood sugar levels in people who are diabetic.
The exact detail as to how GLP-1 does it is not known. We think that this glucagon-suppressive effect depends on the function of a nerve, the vagus nerve, which connects the brain to the bowels.
In this study, we will look at patients who have had surgery which cuts the connection between the brain to the bowels, and compare these to other people who have not had such surgery. We will slowly and safely lower their blood sugar, which increases the secretion of glucagon. We will examine what happens to the secretion of glucagon when the volunteers are given GLP-1 and compare to another day when they are not given GLP-1.
This will allow us to understand how the body controls blood sugar and may help us to invent new methods to help patients with diabetes.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
24/WS/0089
Date of REC Opinion
22 Aug 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion