Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Resource.

DPP-4 inhibitors are a class of medications used to manage type 2 diabetes, and one notable benefit they offer is a reduced risk of hypoglycemia. These medications work by enhancing the body’s incretin hormones, which help to regulate glucose levels after meals. By increasing the levels of these hormones, DPP-4 inhibitors promote insulin release in response to meals and decrease glucagon secretion, but they are glucose-dependent in their action. This means they are less likely to cause a significant drop in blood sugar levels when glucose levels are normal, which minimizes the risk of hypoglycemia.

This characteristic makes DPP-4 inhibitors a safer option for many patients, particularly those who may be susceptible to hypoglycemic episodes. The other options relate to effects that are not associated with DPP-4 inhibitors. They do not contribute to weight gain or increased insulin resistance, and while some patients may have marginal changes in blood pressure with various diabetes medications, the primary focus of DPP-4 inhibitors is not blood pressure reduction. Thus, the reduced risk of hypoglycemia stands out as a major advantage of using these medications for diabetes management.