Which class of medication inhibits the breakdown of incretins GLP-1 and GIP?

The medication class that inhibits the breakdown of incretins GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) is indeed the DPP-4 inhibitors. DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) is an enzyme that deactivates incretin hormones, which play a critical role in glucose metabolism and insulin secretion in response to meals. By inhibiting the action of DPP-4, these drugs prolong the activity of incretins, leading to enhanced insulin secretion from the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner. This mechanism helps to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Incretins such as GLP-1 and GIP are essential for regulating energy balance and glucose homeostasis, making the preservation of their action through DPP-4 inhibition beneficial for metabolic control. The other medication classes listed do not specifically target the breakdown of these incretins; for instance, SGLT2 inhibitors help to reduce blood sugar by promoting glucose excretion in the urine, GLP-1 agonists mimic the action of GLP-1 but do not inhibit its breakdown, and thiazolidinediones improve insulin sensitivity but do