G lucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is produced by the proglucagon gene in L-cells of the small intestine in response to nutrients.1 It is an incretin – a gut hormone – that is responsible for the greater insulin response to oral versus IV glucose.2 Its major mechanism of action occurs through stimulation of glucose-dependent insulin release from the pancreatic islets. In addition to its insulinot...

Despite major progress in prevention and treatment, hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and mortality. Worldwide, more than 7 million deaths can be attributed directly or indirectly to the eff ects of hypertension. This major cause of morbidity and mortality aff ects between 20% and 50% of adults, depending on nationality and age. At age 65 years, individuals have...