Incretin Based Therapies

Book excerpt: Incretins are a group of gastrointestinal hormones that cause an increase in the amount of insulin released from cells in the pancreas after eating. Incretin based drugs are used to control blood sugar levels in the management of diabetes. This book is a concise guide to incretin based therapy. Beginning with an introduction to the history and physiology of incretins, the following sections examine the clinical pharmacology of GLP-1 Analogues and DPP-4 Inhibitors, the pleiotrophic effects of incretins and comparative pharmacology. Each section integrates science with practical therapeutic guidance for clinicians involved in the management of diabetes. The final chapter discusses the future of incretin therapies, including non-diabetic usage and combination therapy. Key Features Concise overview of incretin based therapy for the management of diabetes Guides clinicians step by step through the history and pharmacology of various molecules Integrates science with practical therapeutic guidance Includes chapter on the future of incretin therapy