A gut-brain axis regulating glucose metabolism mediated by bile acids and competitive fibroblast growth factor actions at the hypothalamus.

•Gut brain axis that controls glycemia in normal and obese, insulin resistant states.•Short term (days) taurocholate feeding can improve glucose tolerance in leptin-deficient mice.•A neuropeptide (AGRP) and its receptor (MC4R) are necessary for the effects of taurocholate on glucose metabolism.•Endogenous hypothalamic FGFs antagonize endocrine FGFs. Blockade of the endogenous hypothalamic FGFs with short peptides can improve glucose tolerance as well as daily average blood glucose.