title: GLP-1 agonists and dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors.
abstract: Novel therapeutic options for type 2 diabetes based on the action of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) were introduced in 2005. Incretin-based therapies consist of two classes: (1) the injectable GLP-1 receptor agonists solely acting on the GLP-1 receptor and (2) dipeptidyl-peptidase inhibitors (DPP-4 inhibitors) as oral medications raising endogenous GLP-1 and other hormone levels by inhibiting the degrading enzyme DPP-4. In type 2 diabetes therapy, incretin-based therapies are attractive and more commonly used due to their action and safety profile. Stimulation of insulin secretion and inhibition of glucagon secretion by the above-mentioned agents occur in a glucose-dependent manner. Therefore, incretin-based therapies have no intrinsic risk for hypoglycemias. GLP-1 receptor agonists allow weight loss; DPP-4 inhibitors are weight neutral. This review gives an overview on the mechanism of action and the substances and clinical data available.
authors.affiliation: Medizinische Klinik IV, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. baptist.gallwitz@med.uni-tuebingen.de
authors.forename: Baptist
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Gallwitz
mesh_terms: D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy*; D018819:Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 / Q000502:physiology; D054873:Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / Q000819:agonists*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D054795:Incretins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D054873:Dipeptidyl-Peptidase IV Inhibitors; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D054795:Incretins; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D018819:Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4