Incretins and amylin in pediatric diabetes: new tools for management of diabetes in youth.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to examine recently published literature in the areas of incretins and amylin in the management of pediatric diabetes.

RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have begun to explore the use of longer-acting GLP-1 analogues that can be given once daily, such as liraglutide, and the use of DPP-IV inhibitors in the management of type 2 diabetes. In addition, recent studies have been published on the use of exenatide in the management of pediatric obesity and newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.

SUMMARY: Very few medications are approved for management of type 2 diabetes in youth. In addition, monotherapy of type 1 diabetes in youth with insulin does not achieve HbA1c targets in the majority of youth despite the use of rapid-acting insulin analogues, insulin pump therapy, and continuous glucose monitoring. Novel therapies that target physiologic modalities other than enhancing or replacing insulin secretion or improving insulin sensitivity have shown efficacy in adults. Studies with these drugs are being done in the pediatric population and should provide additional treatment options for these patients.