Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which effect is NOT associated with GLP-1 mimetic agents like liraglutide?

1. Promotes satiety in the brain

2. Increases glucagon secretion from alpha cells

3. Decreases gastric emptying and motility

4. Enhances insulin secretion from beta cells

The correct answer is: Increases glucagon secretion from alpha cells

Liraglutide and other GLP-1 mimetic agents mimic the action of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone, which has several physiological effects that are beneficial for managing diabetes. These agents primarily enhance insulin secretion from beta cells in response to elevated blood glucose levels, which helps lower blood sugar effectively. Additionally, they promote a feeling of fullness (satiety) in the brain, which can aid in weight loss, a significant advantage for many individuals with type 2 diabetes. One key function of GLP-1 mimetics is to decrease gastric emptying and motility, which further contributes to controlling postprandial (after meal) blood sugar levels by slowing the release of glucose into the bloodstream. In contrast, the increase of glucagon secretion from alpha cells is not an effect that GLP-1 mimetics promote. GLP-1 actually inhibits glucagon secretion, which is important for preventing excess glucose production by the liver, especially after meals. Hence, choosing the increase of glucagon secretion as an associated effect does not accurately reflect the action of GLP-1 mimetic agents, making it the correct answer for the question regarding which effect is NOT associated with these medications.