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NEW TREATMENT in diabetes
It was discovered that glucose given ORALLY caused more insulin release than glucose administered INTRAVENOUSLY. This led to the discovery of the incretin hormones, which are secreted by the gut (INtestinal SECRETion of INsulin), GIP and GLP-1.
The incretin-based therapies increase levels of GLP-1, either by providing an incretin mimetic (exenatide and liraglutide), or by inhibiting their breakdown by DPP-4 (sitagliptin, saxagliptin, vilagliptin)
Their administration results in:
- Stimulation of glucose dependent insulin secretion
- Suppression of glucagon secretion
- Slowing of gastric emptying
- Improvement if b-cell functioning
Causing:
- Improved glycemic control
- Decrease in A1C
- Mild weight loss
- Mild decrease in BP
STAY TUNED FOR DOSING AND ADVERSE EVENTS!
References
Barnett AH. New Treatment in type 2 Diabetes: A Focus on the Incretin-Based Therapies. Clinical Endocrinology Sep 2008;70(3):343-53.