New Hope for Type 2 Diabetes

Larry N. Merkle M.D., Endocrinologist, talks about a new medication for people with type 2 diabetes.

Lehigh Valley, Pa. (March 8, 2007) – A new treatment for type-2 diabetes was approved recently by the Food and Drug Administration. The new drug, Januvia, is the first in a new class of drugs called DPP-4 inhibitors that help control high blood sugar by regulating insulin production.

Januvia, which can be used as an add-on therapy for oral medications or as a stand-alone therapy, prolongs the activity of proteins that boost the release of insulin after blood sugar rises, such as after a meal.

The new medication is taken orally, once daily, and works by blocking an enzyme called DPP-IV (dipeptidyl peptidase-4). “Normally, this enzyme breaks down insulin-producing proteins, which are deficient in people with type-2 diabetics and leads to poor blood sugar control,” said Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network endocrinologist, Larry Merkle, M.D. “Januvia lets those insulin producing proteins last longer, essentially creating more insulin.”

A similar drug, Byetta, is also available, but it must be injected twice daily. Januvia works naturally in the body so can be taken orally. “Januvia is a much more convenient alternative,” Merkle said. “But if you are planning on switching, talk to your doctor to see if Januvia is right for you.”

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