We wish to evaluate the effect of long term treatment with a DPP-IV inhibitor on the function of the incretin hormones

Hypothesis We hypothesize that that a gradual improvement in metabolic control induced by DPP-IV inhibitor (Januvia®) treatment significantly ameliorates the impaired secretion and potency of GLP-1 and leads to a restoration of the lost action of GIP.

Background The incretin effect, primarily mediated by the peptide hormones GIP and GLP-1, is known to be impaired in patients with type 2 diabetes, and characterised by reduced GLP-1 secretion and potency and a lack of responsiveness to the insulinotropic effect of GIP. The cause of this defect remains unknown, but exogenous administration of GLP-1 has shown promising results in attempts to restore the incretin effect. Due to rapid degradation of both incretin hormones by the enzyme dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (DPP-IV), treatment strategies now focus on GLP-1 analogues and prevention of hormone degradation through DPP-IV inhibition.

Hypothesis We hypothesize that that a gradual improvement in metabolic control induced by DPP-IV inhibitor (Januvia®) treatment significantly ameliorates the impaired secretion and potency of GLP-1 and leads to a restoration of the lost action of GIP.

Objective To assess the effect of three months treatment with Januvia®, administered as tablets once daily, on metabolic control in metformin treated patients with type 2 diabetes, measured as increases in incretin hormones and insulin secretion.

Efficacy end points Primary efficacy end point in trial part one is the relative increase in meal-induced total GLP-1 secretion after one and twelve weeks of Januvia® treatment.

Primary efficacy end point in part two is restoration of the insulinotropic effect of GIP, measured as the relative increase in GIP induced amplification of the late phase insulin secretion (AUC) response to glucose after 12 weeks of Januvia® treatment.

Secondary objectives are examination of GLP-2, somatostatin, glucagon, peptide-YY and two glycaemic control parameters (HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose)

Design This is a single centre, randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled trial. The trial consists of two parts, each consisting of three months of inhibitor treatment. In each part, 24 patients, recruited from the Diabetes Outpatient Clinic of Gentofte University Hospital, will be randomized to a treatment supplement of either Januvia® or placebo.

Procedures During the trial, patients will be tested with well established procedures. In part one, patients will undergo a standardized meal test and two β-cell secretory capacity tests. In part two, patients will undergo standardized hyperglycaemic GIP, GLP-1 and saline clamps.

Safety The trial has a short time span of only three months. With more than ten visits during this time and regular blood sampling, the patients are well monitored.

Inclusion criteria

• Type 2 diabetes diagnosed according to and in accordance with the WHO criteria
• Metformin treatment of ≥ 1 gram
• 7,5 % ≤ HbA1c ≤ 10%
• Age > 18
• BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2
• Informed consent
• Contraception, if appropriate

Exclusion criteria

• Proliferating retinopathy
• Uremia, end stage renal disease, diabetic nephropathy or any other cause of impaired renal function with s-creatinine > 130 µM and/or albuminuria (>300 mg/day)
• Liver disease with ALAT and/or ASAT > 2 x normal value
• Complicated coronary artery disease, NYHA group III and IV
• Positive screening for islet cell auto antibodies and/or GAD-65 auto antibodies
• Occurrence of type 1 diabetes in first degree relatives
• Anaemia
• Pregnancy and/or breast feeding
• Treatment with medication affecting insulin secretion
• non-compliance

Withdrawal criteria

• The subject may withdraw at will at any time
• Pregnancy discovered during the trial
• Severe illness
• Unacceptable side effects
• If self-measured fasting plasma glucose on three consecutive days exceeds 15 mM, the result is repeated in an immediately scheduled visit, and no treatable intercurrent cause for the hyperglycaemia can be found.