Abstract

The treatment on patients with T2DM who suffered from defective in insulin secretion and inability of tissues responding to insulin properly have been studied for decades. Currently, incretins-based hypoglycemic agents have become a focus in treating T2DM and this kind of drugs could be classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists which mimic the function of GLP-1 and DPP-4 antagonists which avoid GLP-1 being degraded. Both of them focused on GLP-1 polypeptide. Since incretins-based hypoglycemic agents are widely used, the physiological disposition is of great significance in discovering more effective drugs and providing guidance on clinicals for treating T2DM. In the review, we summarize the mechanisms of these two kinds of drugs and provide information of the drugs currently be approved. In addition, the physiological disposition of each type of GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-4 antagonists are thoroughly reviewed. By this review, based on the physiological disposition of these drugs, patients with different situation could choose the drugs based on their physical conditions and the need of supplementary treatment in avoid of drug interactions. We also hope some drugs with novel structure with appropriate physiological disposition could be inspired and invented.