Diabetes Medications and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes

Introduction Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing adverse cardiovascular (CV) outcomes. The evidence relating to the effects of glucose-lowering medications on CV outcomes is of variable quality and there are numerous trials ongoing. Results In this review, we summarise the available literature on CV outcomes of the following diabetes treatments: metformin, the sulfonylureas, acarbose, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonists, dipeptidyl peptidase- 4 inhibitors (DPP4i), sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and insulin. Conclusions Insulin is required if glucose levels are very high. Otherwise, metformin, acarbose, some GLP1 receptor agonists and one SGLT2i appear beneficial for CV outcomes.