Similarities of incretin-based therapies
| Properties/action | Incretin mimetics | DPP-4 inhibitors |
|---|---|---|
| Glucose-dependent insulin secretion | Yes | Yes |
| Glucose-dependent glucagonostatic effect | Yes | Yes |
| Effect on fasting plasma glucose (reduction) | By 1.4–3.4 mmol/l | By 1.0–1.4 mmol/l |
| Effect on postprandial glucose | Yes | Yes (but weaker) |
| Effect on A1C (reduction) | By 0.8–1.8% | By 0.5–1.1% |
| Effect on (pro)insulin biosynthesis | Yes | Yes (weaker?) |
| Improved in vivo β-cell function (in humans) | Yes* | Yes* |
| Beneficial cardiovascular effects | Probable | Not proven |
↵*As determined while patients received treatment (lasting effects need to be proven after washing out treatment).