Glucose-Lowering Medications and Cardiovascular Outcomes

Purpose of the ReviewThe purpose of this review is to examine recent evidence supporting CV safety profile and improvement of CV outcomes of some of the newer classes of diabetic medications.Recent FindingsDiabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Thus, CVD management is critical in diabetic patients. Since 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has mandated that all newer diabetic medications should establish cardiovascular safety before it is approved for use. Diabetic medications that also lower CV risk would be a significant advancement as shown in recent studies. There are 3 new class of diabetic medications: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4), glucagon-like peptide receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA), and sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT 2) inhibitors which have established both CV safety and improvement in CV outcomes with some drugs.SummaryIn patients with type 2 diabetes and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, multiple atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors, or diabetic kidney disease, a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, or a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist with demonstrated cardiovascular benefit is recommended to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.