Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors

Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are a class of medicine that lower high blood glucose levels and may be used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

DPP-4 inhibitors slow the inactivation and degradation of GLP-1, a hormone involved in glucose removal from the gut. DPP-4 inhibitors improve blood glucose control and reduce both fasting and postprandial (after food) blood glucose levels, without causing weight gain. They do not usually cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels) unless they are combined with other therapies that cause hypoglycemia.