The role of incretin‐based therapies in the management of type 2 diabetes

In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), goals for blood glucose and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as blood pressure and body weight, can be difficult to achieve. Recent clinical trials indicate that incretin‐based therapies—dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists—help to achieve glycaemic goals and are generally well tolerated, with a low prevalence of hypoglycaemia. GLP‐1 agonists also improve weight, blood pressure and markers of β‐cell function. Addition of an incretin‐based agent may be appropriate for selected patients with T2DM and unsatisfactory glycaemic control on conventional therapies. Copyright ©2009 John Wiley & Sons.