Safety and Mode of Action of Diabetes Medications in comparison with 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA)

Figure 1

After food is consumed and digestion begins, glucose levels start to increase, as do other hormones such as glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) which is released in the intestines. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin, which works by triggering insulin production (as insulin acts to decrease glucose levels) and inhibiting glucagon production (glucagon acts to increase glucose levels). This occurs to counteract the increased glucose, and it induces the feeling of satiety and reduces apatite by sending signals to the brain that one is full [44]. The consumption of food also triggers the release of pancreatic hormones like insulin, amylin, and glucagon. Insulin and amylin both work to decrease glucose levels and inhibit glucagon while glucagon acts on the liver to raise glucose levels.