Types of Diabetes that the Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor May Act Effectively and Safely

Abstract

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors prevent the inactivation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). This protein, released from the gut following ingestion of a meal, stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion. Compared with other anti-diabetic drugs, the pharmacological characteristics of DDP-4 inhibitor include improvement in postprandial hyperglycemia, low frequency of hypoglycemia, prevention of development of obesity, few adverse events. Taking account of pharmacological characteristic and our therapeutic experiences with DPP-4 inhibitor, we believe that DPP-4 inhibitor may be a useful and safe oral anti-diabetic drug for diabetes in the elderly people, diabetes complicated with obesity, chronic hepatitis/liver cirrhosis, and steroid-induced diabetes.