Incretins: New targets for the prevention of diabetes and obesity

Abstract

Incretins and related gastrointestinal peptides are key regulators of the appetite and of glucose homeostasis. In the last decade, they have come to prominence as they have been utilized in the treatment of diabetes. Ongoing research is identifying relationships between these peptides and the pathogenesis of diabetes and obesity that could open up new avenues of treatment. With the growing recognition of the importance of diabetes and obesity prevention, this article examines the potential for these peptides to yield treatment options for the prevention of these conditions in the years ahead. In this review, the effects of the available therapies that modulate the incretin system are evaluated and the other related gastrointestinal peptides are briefly reviewed. The focus of the article is the use of therapies such as GLP-1, DPP4 inhibitors and bariatric surgery in preventing diabetes and obesity. © 2013 Future Medicine Ltd.