Development of therapeutic options on type 2 diabetes in years: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist’s role intreatment; from the past to future

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hypergly-cemia. Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) accounting for 90% of cases globally. The worldwide prevalence of DM is rising dramatically over the last decades, from 30 million cases in 1985 to 382 million cases in 2013. It’s estimated that 451 million people had diabetes in 2017. As the pathophysiology was understood over the years, treatment options for diabetes increased. Incretin-based therapy is one of them. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) not only significantly lower glucose level with minimal risk of hypoglycemia but also, they have an important advantage in themanagement of cardiovascular risk and obesity. Thus, we will review here GLP-1 RAsrole in the treatment of diabetes.

Keywords: Incretin-basedtherapy; Incretin mimetics; Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist; Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor

Core tip: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes and its complications rising dramatically over the last years. It is well known that diabetes and its complications; especially cardiovascular complications lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Treatment options for diabetes have increased as the pathophysiology was understood. We discuss the incretin-based therapy, especially Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonistsand the beneficial effects on comorbidities besides glucose lowering effect.