The effect of the glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue, exenatide, on duodenal motility and flow events, and small intestinal transit in healthy humans and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a naturally occurring hormone in the human body that has the effect of stimulating insulin secretion and slowing stomach emptying, helping to limit the rise in blood glucose after a meal. Exenetide is a drug that mimics GLP-1, and has recently been approved in Australia for the treatment of diabetes. However, there is little information on how GLP-1 can affect the small intestine. The aim of this study is to see what effect exenatide has on the contractions and flow of contents inside the small intestine and how it affects glucose absorption. The findings will help us understand how sugar is absorbed in the small intestine in health and in people with diabetes, and whether the effects of exenatide on small intestinal function would benefit people with diabetes.