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VOL. 2, ISSUE 2 (2026)
Targeting endogenous GLP-1 through functional foods: Mechanisms, clinical evidence, and therapeutic potential in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors
Shalini, Ankita Sengupta, Souvik Tewari, Enakshi Raychowdhury
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes
mellitus (T2DM) is a rapidly increasing global health challenge characterized
by insulin resistance, progressive β-cell dysfunction, and chronic
hyperglycemia. While pharmacological therapies such as glucagon-like peptide-1
(GLP-1) receptor agonists have revolutionized diabetes management, growing
evidence suggests that dietary interventions capable of stimulating endogenous
GLP-1 secretion represent a promising complementary strategy. Functional
foods—foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition—contain
bioactive compounds capable of enhancing incretin secretion, improving insulin
sensitivity, delaying gastric emptying, modulating gut microbiota, and reducing
inflammation. Dietary fibres, resistant starch, prebiotics, probiotics,
polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, and fermented foods have all demonstrated the
capacity to stimulate intestinal L-cells, leading to increased endogenous GLP-1
production. These nutritional approaches offer a safe, cost-effective, and
sustainable means of improving glycemic control while reducing dependence on
pharmacological therapies. This review summarizes the physiology of endogenous
GLP-1, mechanisms by which functional foods enhance incretin secretion, current
evidence from clinical and experimental studies, and future perspectives for
personalized nutrition in T2DM management.
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Pages:12-20
How to cite this article:
Shalini, Ankita Sengupta, Souvik Tewari, Enakshi Raychowdhury "Targeting endogenous GLP-1 through functional foods: Mechanisms, clinical evidence, and therapeutic potential in type 2 diabetes mellitus". World Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, Vol 2, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 12-20
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