BACKGROUND: Postprandial hypotension, induced by an absorption of glucose from intestine, could be treated by acarbose; however, it was unclear whether dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor reduced postprandial hypotension.

CASE REPORT: A 78-year-old woman who had experienced episodes of dizziness and hypotension after eating was admitted to our hospital. During 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, there were repeated episodes of marked postprandial hypotension; i.e., a significant systolic blood pressure reduction within two hours after eating (from –58 to –64 mm Hg after meals). The patient was diagnosed with dementia with Lewy bodies. The patient exhibited postprandial hyperglycemia and hypotension after a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. After the administration of 25 mg sitagliptin, the patient’s postprandial and orthostatic hypotension was reduced remarkably. Moreover, her Mini-Mental State Examination score subsequently increased (from 22 to 25 points).

CONCLUSIONS: The dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor sitagliptin can delay postprandial increases in glucose levels and hypotensive episodes, as well as sympathetic nervous system abnormalities and orthostatic hypotension.

Keywords: Autonomic Nervous System Diseases, Hypotension, Hypotension, Orthostatic, Lewy Body Disease, Postprandial Period