insulinotropic

Insulinotropic refers to anything that stimulates the secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta cells. The term is used to describe physiological signals, nutrients, hormones, and pharmacological agents that enhance insulin release, typically in response to rising blood glucose or in conjunction with glucose.

Most insulinotropic effects involve signaling pathways that increase beta-cell activity and insulin exocytosis. Incretin hormones such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are key insulinotropic mediators, enhancing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. At the cellular level, glucose metabolism raises ATP, closes ATP-sensitive potassium channels, depolarizes the cell membrane, opens voltage-gated calcium channels, and triggers insulin granule exocytosis. cAMP signaling can further augment this response, especially in incretin-mediated stimulation.

Pharmacological and physiological examples include sulfonylureas and meglitinides, which stimulate insulin release by closing KATP channels on beta cells; incretin-based therapies such as GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors amplify the insulinotropic effect of endogenous incretins. Some amino acids and fatty acids can also be insulinotropic under certain conditions, contributing to nutrient-stimulated insulin release.

Clinical relevance centers on diabetes management and beta-cell function assessment. Insulinotropic agents can improve glycemic control but carry a risk of hypoglycemia, particularly when used with other insulinotropic therapies or in insulin-deficient states. In research, the insulinotropic capacity of stimuli is used to study beta-cell health, glucose homeostasis, and the mechanisms of action of diabetes treatments.