title: Improving glucagon-like peptide-1 dynamics in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
abstract: The increased number of cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus (both diagnosed and undiagnosed) parallels the current epidemic of obesity in the United States. Despite receiving treatment, many patients do not achieve established therapeutic goals. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a progressive disease characterized by multiple abnormalities that extend beyond β-cell dysfunction and insulin resistance. Incretin-based agents, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, have become important options in the therapeutic paradigm for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The author reviews physiologic mechanisms of the incretin system and discusses the practical application of GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors in improving GLP-1 dynamics in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
authors.affiliation: Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19131-1633, USA. jeffreyfreemando@aol.com
authors.forename: Jeffrey S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Freeman
mesh_terms: D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 / Q000819:agonists* / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D052216:Glucagon-Like Peptide 1