The incretin-diabetes link is crucial in the regulation of blood sugar in the body. Incretins are gastrointestinal hormones that, upon eating, are released to help insulin production, and slow digestion and the absorption of nutrients into the blood. This limits the chance of blood sugar spikes, by decreasing the amount of glucagon excreted by the pancreas. GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptite-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory peptide) are two such incretins. GIP is then kept in balance by the release by DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptide-4 enzyme). The incretin and diabetes problem is that diabetics are often deficient in these hormones. In this case, DPP-4 levels go up, putting the system out of balance and leading to high blood glucose levels.

Diabetes, Incretin, and The Related Drugs

In recent years, two types of treatment were developed to rebalance this delicate system. One method synthesized GLP-1, which must be injected. The two long-lasting medications …