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Recent advances in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a review

B T Srinivasan1, J Jarvis, K Khunti

  • 1Department of Diabetes Research, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK.

Postgraduate Medical Journal
|November 20, 2008
PubMed

Insights

New glucose-lowering drugs, including glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-IV) inhibitors, offer novel treatment pathways for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This review examines their mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolism
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive condition characterized by insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction.
  • T2DM significantly elevates the risk of cardiovascular disease and microvascular complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel glucose-lowering agents developed in the last five years.
  • To examine the mode of action, pharmacokinetics, and clinical utility of these new drugs.
  • To include emerging weight-loss agents with potential benefits for glucose management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recently developed and licensed glucose-lowering medications.
  • Analysis of pharmacological data, including mechanisms of action and pharmacokinetics.
  • Evaluation of clinical practice guidelines and evidence for new therapeutic agents.

Main Results:

  • Introduction of glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) agonists (e.g., exenatide) and dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-IV) inhibitors (e.g., sitagliptin, vildagliptin) acting on novel pathways.
  • Exploration of weight-loss agents like rimonabant for their impact on glucose control.
  • Assessment of the clinical integration and efficacy of these innovative treatments.

Conclusions:

  • New pharmacological agents offer advanced therapeutic options for managing T2DM.
  • GLP-1 agonists and DPP-IV inhibitors represent significant advancements in diabetes treatment.
  • Weight management strategies are increasingly recognized for their role in T2DM management.

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