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.
