Effects of incretin class of antidiabetic drugs on lipid metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes and its mechanism

Abstract

Chronic hyperglycemia is often accompanied by abnormal lipid metabolism, hypertension, low-grade systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. These factors increase the risk of cardiovascular disease(CVD)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients. Comprehensive treatment of T2DM should emphasize the improvement of abnormal lipid metabolism, prevention of weight gain and reduction of the CVD risk in addition to proper glycemic control. Incretin, as a new hypoglycemic drug, has more advantages in improving glucose and lipid metabolism, finally to reduce cardiovascular risk. Through possible mechanisms including direct influence on liver lipid metabolism, change of fat mobilization and delay of gastric emptying, incretin shows positive influence on the lipid metabolic markers such as low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, triglycerides, and total cholesterol, while it improves glucose control. Thus, incretin plays an important role in the comprehensive management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. (Chin J Endocrinol Metab, 2016, 33: 435-437) Key words: Diabetes mellitus, type 2; Incretin; Lipid metabolism