Incretin-Based Antihyperglycemic Agents for the Management of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor for ischemic stroke. Moreover, patients with DM suffer more severe strokes and have worse functional outcome following an acute stroke than patients without DM. In this context, data from animal studies and emerging evidence from clinical studies suggest that incretin-based antihyperglycemic agents might exert beneficial effects in patients with DM who suffer ischemic stroke. It appears that these agents exert neuroprotective actions that might both reduce infarct size and promote recovery. The present review summarizes the evidence on the potential role of incretin-based antihyperglycemic agents in the management of acute ischemic stroke.