Figure 1
From: Cardiovascular effects of Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists
GLP-1 is released from the small intestine after meal ingestion and enhance glucose-stimulated insulin secretion ( incretin action ). DPP-4 rapidly converts GLP-1 and GIP to their inactive metabolites in vivo. Inhibition of DPP-4 activity prevents GLP-1 and GIP degradation, thereby enhancing incretin action (Adapted from Abrahamson MJ. The increting effect of GLP-1. Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke: Mechanisms and Risk Reduction. http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/557239 and reference [14]).