The role of GLP-1 in postprandial glucose metabolism after bariatric surgery: a narrative review of human GLP-1 receptor antagonist studies

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) bariatric procedures lead to remission or improvement of type 2 diabetes. A weight loss–independent augmentation of postprandial insulin secretion contributes to the improvement in glycemic control after RYGB and is associated with a ～10-fold increase in plasma concentrations of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). However, the physiologic importance of the markedly increased postprandial GLP-1 secretion after RYGB has been much debated. The effect of GLP-1 receptor blockade after RYGB has been investigated in 12 studies. The studies indicate a shift toward a more prominent role for GLP-1 in postprandial β-cell function after RYGB. The effect of GLP-1 receptor antagonism on glucose tolerance after RYGB is more complex and is associated with important methodological challenges. The postprandial GLP-1 response is less enhanced after SG compared with RYGB. However, the effect of GLP-1 receptor blockade after SG has been examined in 1 study only and needs further investigation.