GIP
Also: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide
In plain language
A gut hormone that helps release insulin after eating and is one of the targets of newer dual-action weight and diabetes drugs.
Technical definition
An incretin hormone secreted by intestinal K cells in response to nutrients that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion; its receptor is co-targeted alongside GLP-1 by dual agonists such as tirzepatide.
GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 are the two main incretin hormones. Combining GIP and GLP-1 receptor activity in a single molecule appears to produce greater effects on blood sugar and body weight than targeting GLP-1 alone.