title: Liraglutide for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing. Management of this condition and minimizing the cardiovascular risks associated with it poses a significant burden on healthcare resources across the world. Currently available therapeutic agents are effective in glycemic management; however, the majority of these are associated with undesirable effects such as hypoglycemia and weight gain. Incretin-based therapies have been introduced over the last few years and are associated with less risk of hypoglycemia and weight gain.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review includes current challenges in the management of T2DM, and an overview of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-based therapies, in particular the results of Phase III clinical studies of recently approved liraglutide. Apart from glycemic control, multifactorial interventions are needed to minimize the cardiovascular risks associated with T2DM. Liraglutide is effective in improving glycemic control measured by HbA1c and it is also shown to improve weight. Recently, the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence in the UK has approved liraglutide 1.2 mg dose in dual and triple therapy for T2DM.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Liraglutide, a once-daily GLP-1 analog, has a definite role in selected patients with T2DM and the long-term cardiovascular safety is currently being ascertained in ongoing trials.
authors.affiliation: University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, LE1 5WW, UK.
authors.forename: Ram
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kela
authors.forename: Kamlesh
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Khunti
authors.forename: Melanie J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Davies
mesh_terms: D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000069450:Liraglutide; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D001786:Blood Glucose; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D000069450:Liraglutide; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human