Cardiovascular outcome trials of GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors: a concise review from the clinicians’ perspective

Prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the main objectives in the management of people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). New glucose-lowering therapies such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors have demonstrated not only cardiovascular safety but also cardiovascular benefits. In line with emerging evidence from the cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs), major international guidelines advocate GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors with proven cardiovascular benefits as a first add-on or monotherapy in individuals with T2DM and established CVD or CVD risk factors. Based on subsequent cardiorenal outcomes and heart failure trials, the licensed indications of some SGLT-2 inhibitors have been extended beyond glycaemic management. SGLT-2 inhibitors have now been approved for the management of chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease, both irrespective of diabetes status. This review aims to summarise the CVOTs of GLP-1RAs and SGLT-2 inhibitors from the clinician’s perspective.