Antihyperglycaemic drugs for secondary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular events

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have been shown in several randomised controlled trials to have cardiovascular benefitNeal, 2017Wiviott, 2019Zinman, 2015. This benefit appears to be independent of glycaemic controlBuse, 2020Visseren, 2021. Therefore, in patients with diabetes mellitus who have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, consider these classes of drugs. See SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists for more information. For information comparing antihyperglycaemic treatments see Choice of antihyperglycaemic treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes.