Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive disease warranting intensification of treatment, as beta-cell function declines
over time. Current treatment algorithms recommend metformin as the first-line agent, while advocating the addition of either
basal-bolus or premixed insulin as the final level of intervention. Incretin therapy, including incretin mimetics or enhancers,
are the latest group of drugs available for treatment of T2DM. These agents act through the incretin axis, are currently recommended
as add-on agents either as second-or third-line treatment, without concurrent use of insulin. Given the novel role of incretin
therapy in terms of reducing postprandial hyperglycemia, and favorable effects on weight with reduced incidence of hypoglycemia,
we explore alternative options for incretin therapy in T2DM management. Furthermore, as some evidence alludes to incretins
potentially increasing betacell mass and altering disease progression, we propose introducing these agents earlier in the
treatment algorithm. In addition, we suggest the concurrent use of incretins with insulin, given the favorable effects especially
in relation to weight gain.
Keywords incretin therapy – insulin – treatment – type 2 diabetes mellitus
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