Incretin Effect

    A phenomenon where the body produces higher amounts of insulin in response to orally consumed glucose than to intravenously infused glucose. This effect is caused by a class of hormones called incretins, which are produced by the gastrointestinal tract in response to nutrient ingestion. Examples include glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).