[Incretin strategy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus--the DPP-IV inhibitor sitagliptin].

Sitagliptin, distributed under the brand name of Januvia, has been the first and so far the only dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor introduced in clinical practice. The results of published clinical studies clearly demonstrate its effectiveness and safety as an oral antidiabetic. Apart from increasing the insulin level, Sitagliptin reduces the level ofglucagon. The principal advantages of Sitagliptin from the clinical point of view are: a) the ability to reduce both fasting and non-fasting glycaemia and improve the HbA(1c) values, b) the fact that it does not provoke weight increase, c) the fact that the risk of hypoglycaemia is significantly lower as compared with sulfonylurea derivatives, d) good tolerability.