What it means
Scientists noticed decades ago that sugar taken by mouth triggers a bigger insulin response than the same sugar given into a vein. The difference is called the incretin effect, and it comes from hormones the gut releases when food arrives.
The two main incretins are GLP-1 and GIP. In people with type 2 diabetes, the incretin effect is weaker than usual, which is one reason incretin-based medicines were first developed for diabetes.
Today, "incretin medicines" is a broad label that covers GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide and dual GIP and GLP-1 agonists like tirzepatide.
You may also see DPP-4 inhibitors, such as sitagliptin, described as incretin-based. They work by slowing the breakdown of your own GLP-1 and GIP, and their effect on weight is much smaller.
Why it matters
The incretin idea is the root of every GLP-1 medicine now used for weight management.
Related terms
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