DPP-4 Inhibitors as a New Option for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes.

Dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are new glucose-lowering agents with mechanisms that differ from those of previous oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs). DPP-4 inhibitors have shown a continuous glucose lowering effect (> 0.5%) when used in monotherapy as well as when used in combination with metformin, sulfonylurea, thiazolidinedione (TZD), insulin, and any other drug. In addition to improving glucose control, DPP-4 inhibitors have also shown a neutral effect on weight gain, improved β-cell function, and lowered the risk of hypoglycemia. Because of these advantages, DPP-4 inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of all patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, but especially elderly patients. Therefore, more information regarding these strengths of DPP-4 inhibitors will lead to better treatment of patients with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]