Abstract
Incretin-based therapies (GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors) represent a novel approach to the treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is based on augmenting the incretin-signalling pathway. These drugs effectively reduce blood glucose levels and their use is not associated with hypoglycemia or weight gain.
In addition, incretin-based drugs have other direct, glucose-lowering independent effects, which are mediated by GLP-1 receptors in the heart, vasculature, gastrointestinal system, brain and kidneys. DPP-4 inhibitors may also have actions beyond incretin system.
Recently, direct cardiovascular effects of incretin-based therapies have been extensively investigated and they are believed to contribute to their beneficial effect. The putative cardiovascular benefits of these drugs, however, need to be established by prospective cardiovascular-outcome trials.