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Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide

Meaning

Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) is an essential 42-amino acid incretin hormone secreted by enteroendocrine K cells in the proximal small intestine, specifically in response to the ingestion of nutrients. As a key mediator of the enteroinsular axis, GIP powerfully enhances the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells, but only when circulating glucose levels are elevated. This peptide plays a crucial, integrated role in postprandial glucose regulation and systemic metabolic balance.