View larger version | When a gut taste cell detects sweet, it triggers a cascade of molecular events, a simplified view of which is shown here. Gustducin activation can spur production of molecules, such as GLP-1, that tell neighboring cells to absorb more glucose. Messages sent via the bloodstream tell the pancreas to produce insulin. Other molecules can hit nerve cells, which can relay signals locally and to the brain. Credit: Nicolle Rager Fuller