Novel therapeutic strategies for type 2 diabetes

The introduction of incretn based therapies brought novel classes of insulinotropic agents into the treatment options for type 2 diabetes. This article compares the actions. clinical efficacy and safety of the orally active DPP-4 inhibitors the injectable incretin mimetics and GLP-1 receptor analogues. First the mode of action of these antidiabetic agents is described. Then clinical studies regarding monotherapy and combination therapies are compared concerning their effects on glycaemic parameters and long term duration of action. Hypoglycaemia incidence and other adverse effects are summarised. The effects on beta cell function and beta cell mass are highlighted. The present and future indications for these agents are discussed.