Scientists Discover Pancreas Has Its Own GLP-1 “Backup System”
- Rebecca Guldberg
- Sep 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Published: September 28, 2025Source: Diabetes.co.uk — “Scientists discover pancreas can make its own GLP-1” (Diabetes.co.uk)
🔍 Introduction: A New Twist in Diabetes Research
A striking new finding has emerged from diabetes research: under certain conditions, the pancreas itself can produce GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone more commonly associated with the gut. This “internal backup plan” could change how we view glucose regulation and open doors to novel treatments for type 2 diabetes. (Diabetes.co.uk)
GLP-1 is the target of popular diabetes and weight‐loss medications like Ozempic, and is recognized for its ability to stimulate insulin and help control blood sugar. (Diabetes.co.uk)
What Is GLP-1 & Why It Matters
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is typically released by cells in the intestinal tract after eating. (Diabetes.co.uk)
Its key roles include:
Stimulating insulin secretion (in response to glucose)
Slowing gastric emptying
Suppressing appetite
Reducing glucagon release (which would otherwise raise blood sugar)
Because of these benefits, synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonists (like semaglutide, liraglutide) are widely used in treating type 2 diabetes and aiding weight loss. (Diabetes.co.uk)
Before this study, pancreatic alpha cells were thought to produce primarily glucagon — a hormone that raises blood sugar. (Diabetes.co.uk)
Key Findings from the Research
Researchers from Duke University conducted experiments using pancreatic tissue from both mice and humans. Their major observations included:
Switching Hormone Production
When glucagon production was suppressed, alpha cells began producing GLP-1. (Diabetes.co.uk)
This shift meant a boost in insulin release and improved control of blood glucose. (Diabetes.co.uk)
High Production in Human Tissue
Human pancreatic tissue showed particularly high levels of bioactive GLP-1 when triggered — levels enough to stimulate insulin directly. (Diabetes.co.uk)
Manipulating Enzymes for Regulation
Altering certain enzymes in alpha cells changed how much GLP-1 was produced. This suggests there might be ways to “turn on” this internal GLP-1 production pathway. (Diabetes.co.uk)
According to Dr. Jonathan Campbell (senior author), alpha cells have more hormonal flexibility than previously believed. Under metabolic stress, they may switch their output to help maintain blood sugar balance. (Diabetes.co.uk)
Implications for Diabetes Treatment
This discovery carries several potential implications:
A more “natural” insulin boost
Rather than always depending on external drugs, stimulating the pancreas’s own GLP-1 production might complement or reduce reliance on GLP-1 medications.
New drug targets
The enzymes that regulate the switch from glucagon to GLP-1 might become therapeutic targets.
Better personalized approaches
Understanding individual differences in this capacity could lead to more tailored treatments.
However, the study is still in its early stages. It is not yet clear how to reliably and safely trigger this pathway in people with diabetes (without side effects or unintended outcomes). Further research is needed. (Diabetes.co.uk)
Challenges & Open Questions
Safety first: Is it safe to force alpha cells to shift output?
Magnitude & consistency: Would the increase in GLP-1 be sufficient across different individuals?
Long-term effects: What are the consequences of sustained GLP-1 production by the pancreas?
Cross-talk with other hormones: How does this interplay affect glucagon, somatostatin, and other islet hormones over time?
How This Changes the Landscape
This discovery nudges us toward a more nuanced understanding of pancreatic function. Rather than rigid roles, islet cells may adapt their output depending on metabolic needs. In the long run, therapies that harness or mimic this flexibility might offer gentler, more durable approaches to managing type 2 diabetes.
By tapping into the body’s own backup systems, we could see treatments that bolster internal resilience instead of overriding physiology.
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This content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about any questions or concerns regarding your health or treatment options.
