title: The backbone of oral glucose-lowering therapy: time for a paradigm shift?
abstract: The complex array of metabolic abnormalities associated with type 2 diabetes provides a number of new targets for therapeutic intervention. Although the established oral glucose-lowering therapies, metformin and the sulfonylureas, continue to provide the backbone of therapeutic approaches, the thiazolidinediones (TZDs) also play an important role. Further, a new class of oral agents, the dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors, has recently become available with apparent utility in decreasing postprandial glucose excursions. This review examines how the TZDs and the DPP-IV inhibitors might integrate into current treatment strategies, considering not only glycemic goals, but also longer-term benefits such as durability of glycemic control, effect on metabolic parameters and cardiovascular outcomes. A practical approach is taken, reflecting potential clinical situations in which therapeutic intervention is required.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Diabetology, University Hospital of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. jochen.seufert@uniklinik-freiburg.de
authors.forename: Jochen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Seufert
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D054873:Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008687:Metformin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D045162:Thiazolidinediones / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D054873:Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D013453:Sulfonylurea Compounds; D045162:Thiazolidinediones; D008687:Metformin