Continued loss of beta cell function is responsible for progressive deterioration of plasma glucose control, ⁽¹⁾ and  complications characteristic of type 2 diabetes. ⁽²⁾ Two classes of incretin-based antihyperglycaemic agents dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) analogues have shown favourable effects on beta cell function.^{(3, 4)}  The aim of this systematic review was to provide a comprehensive synthesis of randomised clinical studies comparing the effectiveness of GLP-1 analogues to DPP-4 inhibitors on beta cell function and diabetes related complications.  A search of PubMed, EMBASE and national and international clinical trials databases was conducted.  Randomised controlled trials were included that compared GLP-1 analogues to DPP-4 inhibitors, either alone or in combination with metformin, in adults with type 2 diabetes. Outcomes included beta cell function, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting and postprandial plasma glucose levels, diabetes-related complications and adverse drug events. Eight included studies were assessed for risk of bias.  Treatment duration ranged from 8 to 52 weeks in the included studies, involving a number of different dosages. Meta-analysis results showed that GLP-1 analogues, at different dosages and duration, was associated with  more favourable improvements in beta cell function as measured by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) compared to DPP-4 inhibitors; mean difference 21.29%  and 20.86%  after 26 and 52 weeks respectively (p<0.00001). GLP-1 analogues had a greater reduction compared to DPP-4 inhibitors in HbA1c; mean difference -0.47% and -0.56% after 26 and 52 weeks respectively (p<0.00001) and fasting plasma glucose; mean difference -1.15mmol/L and  -1.18mmol/L after 26 and 52 weeks respectively (p<0.00001). Comparative outcomes in diabetes related complications and adverse drug events between the two therapies were also discussed, and whilst no outcomes were found for diabetes related complications, DPP-4 inhibitors had fewer gastrointestinal adverse events compared to GLP-1 analogues.The findings showed that GLP-1 analogues had greater beneficial effects on pancreatic beta cell function and plasma glucose control than DPP-4 inhibitors, however caused more gastrointestinal adverse events.  Long-term randomised trials are required to determine whether the positive effect seen with GLP-1 analogues on pancreatic beta cells is maintained over longer periods of time.