[Metformin is a possible glucagon-like peptide 1 stimulator].

Metformin is an oral anti-hyperglycaemic drug used as first-line treatment of Type 2 diabetes. It is more effective when administered orally than when administered intravenously, and metformin formulations, which prolong the time residing in the gut are the most potent. This indicates that the intestine plays an essential role in metformin's mode of action. Metformin also increases plasma concentrations of the glucose-lowering gut incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This metformin-induced GLP-1 increment may constitute an important link between the gut and the glucose-lowering effect of metformin.