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World J Diabetes. Feb 15, 2014; 5(1): 40-51
Published online Feb 15, 2014. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i1.40
Published online Feb 15, 2014. doi: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i1.40
Insulin plus incretin: A glucose-lowering strategy for type 2-diabetes
Bo Ahrén, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
Author contributions: Ahrén B designed and wrote the article.
Correspondence to: Dr. Bo Ahrén, Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, B11 BMC, 221 84 Lund, Sweden. bo.ahren@med.lu.se
Telephone: +46-46-2220758 Fax: +46-46-2220757
Received: October 14, 2013
Revised: November 25, 2013
Accepted: December 12, 2013
Published online: February 15, 2014
Processing time: 128 Days and 1 Hours
Revised: November 25, 2013
Accepted: December 12, 2013
Published online: February 15, 2014
Processing time: 128 Days and 1 Hours
Core Tip
Core tip: Incretin therapy (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors) combined with insulin therapy is a glucose-lowering strategy in type 2 diabetes. The combination allows a complementary mode of mechanistic action and, as demonstrated in several clinical trials, is glucose-lowering in association with limited risk for hypoglycemia and weight gain. The combination is a promising strategy in patients in whom metformin with either incretin therapy or basal insulin is insufficient for adequate glycemic control. This article reviews the background and clinical studies on this combination.