Which oral diabetes medication class works by inhibiting DPP-4, thereby increasing GLP-1 levels?

The class of oral diabetes medications that works by inhibiting DPP-4 is indeed DPP-4 inhibitors. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) is an enzyme that breaks down incretin hormones such as GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). By inhibiting this enzyme, DPP-4 inhibitors effectively increase the levels and prolong the action of GLP-1, a hormone that plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism.

GLP-1 increases insulin secretion in response to meals, suppresses glucagon release, and helps to slow gastric emptying. These actions collectively help lower blood glucose levels, making DPP-4 inhibitors effective for managing Type 2 diabetes.

The other answer choices represent different classes of diabetes medications. Thiazolidinediones primarily enhance insulin sensitivity in muscle and fat tissues, while GLP-1 agonists directly mimic the action of GLP-1 to stimulate insulin secretion and reduce appetite. SGLT-2 inhibitors work by preventing glucose reabsorption in the kidneys, leading to increased glucose excretion in urine. Each of these mechanisms is distinct from that of DPP-4 inhibitors, which specifically target the DPP-4 enzyme