Caring for Your Heart

Type 2 Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder that is characterized by high blood sugar levels and is associated with a high risk of heart diseases, microvascular and other complications.

Liraglutide, an analogue of human glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), has been approved for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. Its efficacy in lowering glucose levels has been established, and it has been associated with slight reductions in weight and blood pressure. However, long-term assessment of liraglutide on cardiovascular outcomes needs to be assessed. In line with the same thought, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine reports the findings of the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER, a trial that was initiated in 2010. A total of 9340 were assessed (4668 received liraglutide and 4672 received placebo). Over time it was observed that fewer patients died from heart diseases in the liraglutide group compared to the placebo group. Also, the rate of death from any cause was lower in the liraglutide group.

In conclusion, among patients with Type 2 Diabetes who were at high risk for cardiovascular events while they were taking standard therapy, those in the liraglutide group had lower rates of cardiovascular events and death from any cause than did those in the placebo group.

Source: New England Journal of Medicine