Incretin-Based Therapy: a Complementary Approach in the Treatment of Patients with Type 1 Diabetes?

People suffering from type 1 diabetes (T1D) show absolute insulin deficiency due to a chronic autoimmune attack on pancreatic beta-cells. In addition glucagon secretion in pancreatic a cells is dysregulated. Although treatment of T1D demands intensified insulin therapy, control of blood glucose is often insufficient and patients are frequently at risk of hypoglycemia. In type 2 diabetes T2D incretin-based substances, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and dipeptidyl-peptidase-IV (DDP-IV)-inhibitors play an important therapeutic role. Current results from clinical trials with this class of drugs indicate a potential therapeutic benefit also for patients with T1D. Recent findings indicate that the glycoregulatory effect of GLP-1 RA in T1D results from inhibition of a cell secretory activity, as well as suppression of caloric uptake.