Translating results from the cardiovascular outcomes trials with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists into clinical practice: Recommendations from a Eastern and Southern Europe diabetes expert group

Abstract

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists mimic the action of the endogenous GLP-1 incretin hormone, improving glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. However, as cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality is common in patients with T2DM, several trials with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) have been performed focusing on endpoints related to cardiovascular disease rather than metabolic control of T2DM. Following the positive cardiovascular effects of liraglutide, dulaglutide and semaglutide observed in these trials, major changes in T2DM management guidelines have occurred. This document from a Eastern and Southern European Diabetes Expert Group discusses the results of GLP-1 RA CV outcomes trials, their impact on recent clinical guidelines for the management of T2DM, and some selected combination regimens utilising GLP-1 RAs. We also propose an algorithm for guiding GLP-1 RA-based treatment according to patients' characteristics, which can be easily applied in every day clinical practice.