Incretins beyond type 2 diabetes

Incretin-based therapies, in particular glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, have been evaluated in other forms of diabetes, but randomised controlled trials are mainly limited to people living with type 1 diabetes. In this review we present the evidence issuing from these trials and discuss their clinical implications as well as the difficulties in interpreting the data. In type 1 diabetes, the addition of GLP-1 receptor agonists to intensive insulin therapy lowers weight and required insulin doses compared with placebo, but the effects on glucose control (HbA(1c), risk of hypoglycaemia) are dependent on the different study protocols. Side effects are limited to the gastrointestinal complaints of nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. We briefly discuss the potential for using GLP-1 receptor agonists as (adjunct) therapies in other forms of diabetes, where the evidence to date is scarce.

Automated summary

This review examines the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists, specifically in type 1 diabetes, and concludes that they can lower weight and required insulin doses. However, their effects on glucose control and hypoglycemia vary depending on study protocols. Side effects include gastrointestinal complaints. The potential use of GLP-1 receptor agonists in other forms of diabetes is briefly discussed, but current evidence is limited.