• After release, GLP-1 (7-36) and GIP (1-42) are rapidly metabolized by the enzyme DPP-4^4,7, which is located in various tissues, on the capillary surfaces, and in soluble form in the circulation.¹⁵
  
• DPP-4 cleaves off the first two amino acids from the intact peptides, producing two truncated peptides, GLP-1(9-36) and GIP(3-42),^5,7,16 that are mainly eliminated through the kidneys.^8,17
  
• These truncated peptides do not activate the respective GLP-1 or GIP receptors¹⁷ and do not affect insulin release or glucose control.^15,18

DPP-4 inhibition has been shown to prevent the rapid degradation of GLP-1 and GIP to their truncated forms, therefore prolonging the survival of GLP-1 (7-36) and GIP (1-42) and their beneficial actions in glucose regulation.^7,19,20