22 Emerging Therapies for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract: The prevalence of Diabetes is progressively increasing world-wide and the growth of the disease in our country is phenomenal. During the last century the management of Diabetes has improved with the introduction of Insulin and a series of oral hypoglycemic agents. Despite the tremendous strides in the availability of drugs the goal for an adequate and persistent control of glycemia is elusive. In the last decade there has been upsurge in the development of newer drugs and routes of insulin administration. One of the most significant advances has been the recognition of the gut hormones and glucagon counter regulatory hormones in the control and regulation of blood sugar. A group of drugs like glucagons-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) have been developed. One of the drugs in this category which is available in the form of injection Exenatide and oral drugs in the form of DPP-IV inhibitors such as Sitagliptin have now been approved by the Regulatory Authorities in USA and are available for use in routine practice. The mode of action, side effects, mode of administration and dosage schedule are discussed in the following pages. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing world wide and more so in our country. The las