DIABETES AND ITS TREATMENT BY GLUCAGON- LIKE PEPTIDE 1 ANALOGS AND DI-PEPTIDYL PEPTIDASE 4 INHIBITORS

Abstract

The burden of diabetic patients on healthcare has increased over the period of time. Management of

diabetes presents a challenge to the physician. The availability of newer drugs, tested in high quality

clinical trials, has marked a new era in the treatment of diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1)

analogs act by increasing the pancreatic beta-cell mass and subsequent insulin secretion. Dipeptidase-4

(DPP-4) inhibitors inhibit the enzyme that degrades GLP-1, resulting in the augmentation of GLP-1 in the

body. Hence, the two drugs can be used synergistically. It was seen that severe hypoglycemia seldom

occurred with GLP-1 analogues and DPP-4 inhibitors. Gastrointestinal upset and the development of

antibodies to the drug in the body was mainly attributed to GLP-1 analogs. DPP-4 inhibitors showed

increased risk of nasopharyngitis, urinary tract infections and headache.

There is a need for further advances in our understanding, through randomized control clinical trials in

larger settings, to establish the role and safety of these newer agents in the treatment of diabetes. The

initiation of a modern set of medications may help us control type2 diabetes better.