Antihyperglycemics, Incretin-Based Therapies

Incretin-based therapies are a category of antihyperglycemic medications that leverage the actions of gut-derived incretin hormones, primarily glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) This drug class encompasses GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists—which activate incretin pathways directly—as well as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which prolong the circulating half-life of endogenous incretins By enhancing glucose-dependent insulin ...

Incretin-based therapies are a category of antihyperglycemic medications that leverage the actions of gut-derived incretin hormones, primarily glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)

This drug class encompasses GLP-1 and dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists—which activate incretin pathways directly—as well as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, which prolong the circulating half-life of endogenous incretins Their primary therapeutic indication is type 2 diabetes mellitus, though specific agents in this broader class are also utilized to manage chronic weight management and related cardiometabolic risk

By enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppressing postprandial glucagon release, and delaying gastric emptying, these agents lower blood glucose with a minimal risk of hypoglycemia

Their primary therapeutic indication is type 2 diabetes mellitus, though specific agents in this broader class are also utilized to manage chronic weight management and related cardiometabolic risk