Abstract
BackgroundHigher efficacy of incretin-based therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported from Asia. Pancreatitis and hepatitis have also been suspected to occur due to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4I) treatment. The present study aims at comparing selected biochemical parameters among DPP4 inhibitor users and other oral hypoglycaemic drug users.MethodsPatients were recruited from the State Pharmaceutical Corporation, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, for a comparative cross-sectional study. Two groups were involved: “DPP4I” user group (n = 63) and “other oral hypoglycaemic” user group (n = 126). Mann-Whitney U test was performed to find a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the distributions of HbA1C, pancreatic amylase, serum lipase, AST and ALT levels between the two groups.ResultsContradicting to previous Asian studies, distribution of HbA1C (p = 0.569) between anti-diabetic regimes with and without DPP4 inhibitors showed no significant difference. Also, amylase (p = 0.171), AST (p = 0.238) and ALT (p = 0.347) failed to show significance. However, lipase was significantly (p = 0.012) high in the DPP4I group.ConclusionThe study showed a significantly higher lipase level among the DPP4I users in comparison to other oral hypoglycaemic drug users, and possible reasons were discussed.
Highlights
Higher efficacy of incretin-based therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported from Asia
An increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) along with the use of pesticides has been observed in Southeast Asia [2]
Higher efficacy of incretin enhancers has been reported among Asians for T2DM [7, 8]
Summary
Higher efficacy of incretin-based therapies for type 2 diabetes mellitus has been reported from Asia. An increase in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) along with the use of pesticides has been observed in Southeast Asia [2]. Higher efficacy of incretin enhancers has been reported among Asians for T2DM [7, 8]. Meta-analyses reveal no increased risk of pancreatitis with DPP4Is [19, 20]. Most of these reviews conclude with the need for future observational studies to establish an association. T2DM itself is known to cause elevated levels of serum pancreatic-specific amylase and serum lipase [21]. Immediate discontinuation is advised if the above two serious adverse effects occur [18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
