Abstract
Incretin analogues (agonists of glucagon-like peptide-1) stand for an important part of nowadays therapy of diabetes mellitus type 2. Except for glucose lowering effect, incretins evince a wide range of additive non-metabolic effects.
Weight reduction is the best known clinical benefit of incretin therapy. The protection of ß -cells can contribute to decreased rate of ß-cell degeneration on condition of rather soon beginning of incretin therapy.
Wide field of recent discussion is filled with the possible positive cardiovacsular effects of incretin therapy. The most common side effect of GLP-1 agonists is related to transient gastrointestinal dyscomfort.
The most redoubtable side effects (acute pancreatitis and parafolicular neoplasia of thyroid gland) have not been convincingly prooved. The new research of incretin therapy in going on - new incretin analogues and new fixed combinations with basal insulin are generated, therapeutical indications are broadened.