Incretins are hormones whose receptors can be found throughout the human body. Their effect on glucose homeostasis and body weight is an area of broad interest. GIP and GLP-1 hormones induce insulin synthesis and secretion, inhibit glucagon secretion, stimulate β-cell proliferation, and promote weight loss. These effects of the incretin system are reduced in type 2 diabetes. Although it has been proven that the impaired incretin functions are not the cause of diabetes, but rather its consequence, the positive effects of the incretins are being used in the development of newest therapies. GLP-1 receptor agonists and DPP-IV inhibitors are therapeutic agents that have the same effects as the native hormone, only with a longer action. As monotherapy (which has not been approved in Croatia) GLP-1 receptor agonists reduce the levels of HbA1c by 0.5-1.5%, combined with an oral antidiabetic medication the level of HbA1c drops up to 1.9%, the studies show. Also, GLP-1 receptor agonists lead to significant weight loss. DPP-IV inibitors have a similar effect, lowering the levels of HbA1c by 1%, and combined with an oral antidiabetic, by 2%. These agents do not have an effect on weight loss. Another advantage of the incretin therapy is a lower incidence and intensity of adverse effects. During clinical trials the most reported adverse effects were gastrointestinal, but they were found to be mostly of short duration. The most concerning, though, is an emersion of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, which have been reported in several patients receiving incretin therapy. Later studies on this side effect did not find a connection between acute pancretitis and pancreatic cancer and incretin therapy. Further studies, as well as time flow, are necessry in order to become aware of its benefits and its limitations.