Novel Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Ko,  Jung Min

Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab > Volume 14(1); 2009 > Article

Review

Journal of Korean Society of Pediatric Endocrinology 2009;14(1): 11-18.

Novel Therapies for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Jung Min Ko

Department of Medical Genetics, Ajou University College of Medicine, Suwon, Korea. jmko@ajou.ac.kr

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive disorder caused by a combination of insulin resistance and betacell dysfunction. The role of new hormones and systems in maintaining blood glucose homeostasis has recently been recognized. This recognition has led to the development of several novel classes of medications, including the incretin mimetic agents (glucagon like polypeptide-1 analogs and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors), the amylin analog and the endocannabinoid-1 receptor blocker. This review looks at these new agents in terms of their mode of action, pharmacokinetics and use in clinical practice. The new agents offer treatment options in select adult patients now, however, the efficacy and the safety has to be evaluated thoroughly by long term studies before the application to pediatric patients.

Keywords: Incretin;Glucagon like polypeptides;Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors;Amylin;Endogenous cannabinoids;Diabetes Mellitus;Type 2