Glucose-Lowering Drugs to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes

This article reviews strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the use of glucose lowering medications with proven cardiovascular benefits. Key agents include GLP1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide) and SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin, dapagliflozin), which have demonstrated reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and heart failure hospitalization. The article underscores individualized treatment plans, integrating glycemic targets, lifestyle modifications, and risk factor management. A case vignette illustrates clinical decision making for a patient with diabetes and prior myocardial infarction, advocating for evidence based drug selection to improve outcomes.

This article reviews strategies to reduce cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the use of glucose lowering medications with proven cardiovascular benefits. Key agents include GLP1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide, semaglutide) and SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g., empagliflozin, dapagliflozin), which have demonstrated reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and heart failure hospitalization. The article underscores individualized treatment plans, integrating glycemic targets, lifestyle modifications, and risk factor management. A case vignette illustrates clinical decision making for a patient with diabetes and prior myocardial infarction, advocating for evidence based drug selection to improve outcomes.