Summary

The incretin mimemics—dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—stimulate insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon secretion to stabilize serum glucose levels. They provide blood glucose reductions that are similar to other antidiabetic drugs, with no associated weight gain and, in the case of the GLP-1 agonists, some weight loss [Drucker DJ, Nauck MA. Lancet 2006; Russell-Jones D. Int J Clin Pract 2010].