The British Journal of Cardiology · Oct 8, 2024
Cardiorenal effects of therapies for type 2 diabetes and obesity
By Bailey CJ, Day C
Sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are established glucose-lowering and weight-lowering agents used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Several recent clinical trials have provided evidence that these agents can decrease the risk of, and slow progression of, cardiovascular and renal diseases independently of their glucose-lowering and weight-lowering effects. In clinical trials and 'real-world' observational studies in people with and without diabetes, SGLT2 inhibitors have offered protection against heart failure and chronic kidney disease, while GLP-1 receptor agonists have been associated with reductions in atherosclerotic cardiovascular events and albuminuria. Based on this evidence, SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists can now be considered for use beyond diabetes and obesity as new treatment options in the management of cardiorenal disease.