[Exenatid and its position as antidiabetic drug in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus].

'Incretin effect' refers to increased insulin response to oral glucose as compared to i.v. glucose response. Incretin mimetics are a new class of antidiabetic drugs lowering hyperglycaemia. Incretin mimetics mimic the natural human hormones called 'incretins' with blood glucose regulating action. Exenatide is a synthetic analogue GLP-1 which is resistant to enzymatic degradation by DPP IV. Subcutaneously administered exenatide stimulates insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon secretion, slows down stomach evacuation and reduces the weight. Its administration is safe and the most frequent side effect is mild nausea.