Use of dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor in the comprehensive management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese population

Currently, China still faces tremendous challenges in the field of diabetes treatment and control, and new treatments are needed for comprehensive management of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-4) inhibitors can improve islet cell function, promote the secretion of insulin and inhibit the secretion of glucagon, without increased risks of hypoglycemia and weight gain. DPP-4 inhibitors, regardless of monotherapy or in combination with other anti-hyperglycemic medication or insulin, can effectively reduce glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting and postprandial blood glucose in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The early combination of DPP-4 inhibitor with metformin, by complementing each other in the therapeutic mechanism, is an ideal therapeutic strategy for diabetes treatment. This article briefly reviews the efficacy and safety of DPP-4 inhibitors in the treatment of type 2 diabetes in Chinese population.