Possible doses: Linagliptin is a safe glucose lowering drug that can be taken once or twice daily. The maximum glucose lowering is achieved with 5 mg once daily or 2.5 mg twice daily. It may be combined with Metformin in a combination pill.
What it does: Linagliptin modestly lowers glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Like any drug, it works better in some people than others for reasons that are not well understood. It does not have any long-term effect on other diseases.
How it works: Linagliptin works by slowing down the breakdown of a hormone called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1). This hormone will normally cause the pancreas to make more insulin. Therefore, when its breakdown is slowed down by Linagliptin, it lasts longer in the blood and can lower glucose levels more effectively.
Side effects: Very few people report any significant side effects with this drug. When taken in combination with Metformin, some of the side effects of Metformin can occur.
Bottom line: Linagliptin is widely used, effective, and inexpensive. It continues to be commonly used for people with type 2 diabetes, especially when it is combined with Metformin.
Check out another blog article to learn more about Metformin.
About the author
Hertzel Gerstein
Hertzel is an endocrinologist and professor at McMaster University who is in high demand as a speaker, advocate, and educator on diabetes-related topics. His research focuses on using large, international randomized trials to identify and test new ways of preventing type 2 diabetes, reducing serious health outcomes like strokes and death, and achieving type 2 diabetes remissions.
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