The potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists in reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: what's new?

• Alexander S. Ametov
• Anna O. Nevolnikova
• Ekaterina A. Tertychnaya

Abstract

Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of mortality and quality of life in patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). Current requirements for diabetes-lowering therapy for DM2 include not only effective glucose management, but also cardiovascular safety. In Large-scale clinical studies GLP-1 agonists have demonstrated various positive cardiovascular effects. The pathogenetic mechanisms of their cardiovascular protection are not clearly defined. There is subject to further scientific research. The effects of the GLP-1 receptor agonists on the prolonged action of dulaglutide on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with DM2 have been studied in a long-term REWIND study. The obtained results convincingly proved its positive effect on glycemic control and a decrease in the frequency of macro-and microvascular complications. An effective and safe hypoglycemic effect, combined with a reduction in cardiovascular risk, gives the GLP-1 receptor agonist class unique clinical benefits, allowing them to be included in the first line of treatment for DM2.

Keywords:diabetes mellitus type 2, glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor, cardiovascular outcomes, cardioprotection, dulaglutide, REWIND study

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