Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds
06:09

An In Ovo Model for Testing Insulin-mimetic Compounds

Published on: April 23, 2018

Emergence of promising therapies in diabetes mellitus

Sindhu Akkati1, Kishore Gnana Sam, Girish Tungha

  • 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India 576104, USA. akkati.sindhureddy@gmail.com

Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|August 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

New diabetes mellitus therapies aim to improve glycemic control and reduce side effects. Promising pipeline drugs include oral insulins for type 1 and various agents for type 2 diabetes.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases
  • Pharmacology
  • Diabetes Research

Background:

  • Diabetes mellitus (DM) involves insulin secretion defects (type 1) or insulin resistance (type 2).
  • Current treatments like insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents have limitations, including inconsistent glycemic control, weight gain, and hypoglycemia.
  • There is a significant need for novel therapeutic strategies to address these challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review emerging therapeutic agents for diabetes mellitus.
  • To describe the mechanisms of action of promising new drugs.
  • To evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of these novel therapies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of drugs in the development pipeline for type 1 and type 2 DM.
  • Analysis of mechanisms of action for agents including oral insulins, incretin mimetics, amylin analogues, and others.
  • Comparative assessment of potential benefits and drawbacks of these new treatments.

Main Results:

  • Several novel drug classes are under investigation for both types of DM.
  • Pipeline therapies target diverse pathways, including insulin delivery, incretin systems, glucose transport, and metabolic regulation.
  • Each class presents unique profiles regarding efficacy, safety, and potential side effects.

Conclusions:

  • Emerging therapies hold promise for improved diabetes management.
  • Oral insulins and a range of agents for type 2 DM may offer better glycemic control with fewer adverse effects.
  • Further research and clinical trials are essential to validate the efficacy and safety of these innovative treatments.

Related Concept Videos

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy01:15

Diabetes: Management and Pharmacotherapy

The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...
Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists01:24

Glucagon-like Receptor Agonists

Incretins include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), which stimulate insulin secretion post-meals. In type 2 diabetes, GIP's efficacy is reduced, making GLP-1 a viable drug target. GIP originates from preproGIP.
GLP-1, when administered in high doses intravenously, triggers insulin secretion, inhibits glucagon release, slows gastric emptying, reduces food intake, and restores normal insulin secretion. However, its rapid inactivation by the...
Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones01:26

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Biguanides and Glitazones

Biguanides, particularly metformin (Glucophage), are insulin sensitizers that enhance glucose uptake, thereby reducing insulin resistance. Unlike sulfonylureas, metformin doesn't prompt insulin secretion, which helps to curb hypoglycemia risk. Metformin is beneficial in treating conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome due to its insulin-resistance reduction capability. The drug's primary action involves curtailing hepatic gluconeogenesis, a significant contributor to high blood glucose levels...
Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Overview and Type I Subtype

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction01:26

Diabetes Mellitus: Introduction

Diabetes mellitus consists of chronic metabolic disorders characterized by persistent hyperglycemia. This elevated blood glucose results from defects in insulin secretion, impaired insulin action, or both. Insulin, produced by pancreatic β-cells, is essential for maintaining glucose homeostasis by facilitating cellular glucose uptake for energy or storage. Disruptions in insulin production or function lead to glucose accumulation in the bloodstream, causing the clinical features and long-term...
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational01:22

Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational

Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...