Gut hormones, otherwise known for their actions on the gastrointestinal tract, have important roles in the regulation of both metabolism and food intake. Insulin-stimulating incretin hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, are responsible for disposal of up to 80% of an oral glucose load, thereby preventing postprandial hyperglycemia (an established cardiovascular risk factor). Absence of the incretin effect leads to overt glucose intolerance. Gut hormones may influence energy balance which has led to investigation of the possible involvement of these hormones and their secretion in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In this short overview, we will discuss some key observations regarding these features with an emphasis on human conditions.