Cardiovascular benefits of liraglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes: an in-depth exploration

Liraglutide is a key therapeutic agent in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), with benefits extending beyond glycemic control to address cardiovascular and renal comorbidities. As T2DM prevalence rises globally, the need for medications that provide comprehensive health benefits becomes increasingly important. Liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular events, especially among patients with high cardiovascular risk, such as those with a prior history of myocardial infarction or stroke. It has shown significant reductions in major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), including cardiovascular mortality and stroke risk, making it an essential component in secondary prevention for patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Moreover, liraglutide has a favorable safety profile, presenting a lower incidence of hypoglycemia compared to many other glucose-lowering agents, which is crucial for patient safety and adherence. Given these wide-ranging benefits, liraglutide serves as a valuable tool for optimizing health outcomes in diverse diabetic populations, particularly in those with complex comorbidities. To support this narrative review, a search in three electronic databases yielded 44 relevant journal articles and book chapters about liraglutide published from 2010 to 2022, providing a robust foundation for evaluating its cardiovascular impact and clinical utility in T2DM patients with concurrent cardiac conditions.