Gemigliptin A New Option

Dr Anjali Bhatt shares why gemigliptin is indeed a valuable addition to the armamentarium of anti-diabetes medications.

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Gemigliptin is the latest dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) enzyme inhibitor which is classified under oral anti-diabetes drugs. This drug works by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to secrete insulin, which reduces blood sugar levels in the body. It is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar levels. This drug can be administered as:

Monotherapy (the treatment of a disease with a single drug)

Combination with other class of anti-diabetes medications as well with insulin in patients with inadequate blood glucose control

The maximum daily recommended dose of gemigliptin is 50 mg. It can be taken with or without food.

What are DPP-4 inhibitors?

DPP-4 inhibitors work by blocking the action of DPP-4, an enzyme which destroys the hormone incretin.

Incretins help the body produce more insulin only when it is needed and reduce the amount of glucose being produced by the liver when it is not needed. These hormones are released throughout the day and levels are increased at meal times.

Examples of DPP-4 inhibitors

Vildagliptin

Sitagliptin

Saxagliptin

Linagliptin