Sitagliptin is often combined with insulin to enhance glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. As a DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitor, sitagliptin works by increasing the levels of incretin hormones, which help to regulate blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin secretion in response to meals and reducing glucagon release.
Using sitagliptin in conjunction with insulin can lead to lower blood glucose levels while minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia, which can be a concern when using insulin alone. This combination allows for a more comprehensive approach to managing diabetes by targeting multiple pathways involved in glucose metabolism.
While sitagliptin can be used with other classes of diabetes medications, the combination with insulin is particularly beneficial for patients who might not achieve optimal control with oral agents alone, especially those requiring insulin therapy to manage their blood sugar levels.