Incorporating glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists into clinical practice.

Abstract

Two glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are currently approved for use in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: exenatide and liraglutide. Both of these injectable agents improve glycemic control as monotherapy or as combination therapy with oral agents. Overall, GLP-1 receptor agonists provide additive effects in dual and triple therapy regimens. In a clinical trial, the use of liraglutide resulted in greater improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose levels compared to exenatide, although the effects of exenatide on postprandial plasma glucose levels were greater. Clinical trials have also demonstrated statistically significant weight reduction, small beneficial effects on blood pressure, and unchanged lipid profiles with GLP-1 receptor agonists. The author reviews clinical trial data on the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, outlines potential contraindications of these agents, and discusses the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists in algorithms for the initiation and advancement of treatment.

• Authors: Craig W Spellman
• Journal: The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association (J Am Osteopath Assoc) Vol. 112 Issue 1 Suppl 1 Pg. S7-15 (Jan 2012) ISSN: 1945-1997 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22267302 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Blood Glucose
• GLP1R protein, human
• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
• Hypoglycemic Agents
• Receptors, Glucagon

Topics

• Blood Glucose (drug effects, metabolism)
• Clinical Trials as Topic (methods)
• Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 (blood, drug therapy)
• Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor
• Humans
• Hypoglycemic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Receptors, Glucagon (agonists, blood)