Which statement about DPP-4 inhibitors is true?

Which statement about DPP-4 inhibitors is true?

• A. They promote glycemic control by enhancing incretin hormones
• B. They increase hepatic glucose production
• C. They always cause significant hypoglycemia
• D. They are used only for type 1 diabetes

Answer: (B)

DPP-4 inhibitors work by preserving incretin hormones, mainly GLP-1 and GIP, by blocking the enzyme that degrades them. With more incretins available, insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells is enhanced in a glucose-dependent manner, and glucagon secretion from alpha cells is suppressed after meals. This combination reduces hepatic glucose production and improves both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels. Because the insulin response depends on elevated glucose, the risk of hypoglycemia is relatively low, especially when used alone. They are indicated for type 2 diabetes, not type 1. The idea that they increase hepatic glucose production isn’t correct; they help lower hepatic glucose output through glucagon suppression.

DPP-4 inhibitors work by preserving incretin hormones, mainly GLP-1 and GIP, by blocking the enzyme that degrades them. With more incretins available, insulin release from the pancreatic beta cells is enhanced in a glucose-dependent manner, and glucagon secretion from alpha cells is suppressed after meals. This combination reduces hepatic glucose production and improves both fasting and postprandial blood glucose levels.

Because the insulin response depends on elevated glucose, the risk of hypoglycemia is relatively low, especially when used alone. They are indicated for type 2 diabetes, not type 1. The idea that they increase hepatic glucose production isn’t correct; they help lower hepatic glucose output through glucagon suppression.