Healthcare Acronyms

Gastric Inhibitory Polypeptide

Traditionally called gastrointestinal inhibitory peptide or gastric inhibitory peptide. GIP was previously believed to neutralize stomach acid to protect the small intestine from acid damage, reduce the rate at which food is transferred through the stomach, and inhibit the GI motility and secretion of acid. However, these functions occur naturally in the body through a similar hormone, secretin, and GIP only causes these effects for individuals with higher-than-normal physiological levels.

GIP's actual function is to induce insulin secretion, which is stimulated primarily by hyperosmolarity of glucose in the duodenum. After this discovery, some researchers prefer the new name of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide, while retaining the acronym GIP.