Liraglutida en el tratamiento de la diabetes tipo 2:

Liraglutide is the first once daily human glucagonlike peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue, with a 97% homology. Liraglutide has recently been approved by the European Medicines Agency and by the Food and Drug Administration to be used in the medical management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Initial approval is for be using in combination with metformin, a sulphonylurea or a combination of metformin with a sulphonylurea or thiazolidinedione. Monotherapy with liraglutide is also approved in United States. Results from the LEAD (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes) clinical trials programme show that liraglutide significantly lowers HbA1c, with a very low risk of hypoglycemia. Liraglutide treatment was also associated with significant and sustained weight loss, decreased systolic blood pressure, improved βs-cell function, and reductions in other cardiovascular risk markers. In this article we review the most up-to-date evidence emanating from the LEAD programme, focussing on practical considerations on how to optimally use this new therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus.