LAUSR

Objective: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has gradually evolved as a metabolic pandemic. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are currently considered an attractive treatment option for diabetic patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or for those with multiple risk factors. Design and method: We sought to update previous relevant meta-analyses, pooling data from the published cardiovascular outcome, placebo-controlled trials until 12th December 2021. We utilized data from published reports, also searching relevant supplementary appendices for any missing data. We evaluated the composite outcome of a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE). Results: We pooled data from 9 trials for a total of 64,236 enrolled participants with T2DM assigned either to GLP-1RA treatment or placebo. GLP-1RA treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the risk for MACE by 11% (RR = 0.89, 95% CI; 0.82–0.95, I2 = 53%). No subgroup difference was detected between once-daily, once-weekly or continuous subcutaneous infusion of a GLP-1RA vs. placebo (p = 0.06). No publication bias was detected. Conclusions: Herein we demonstrated that GLP-1RAs provide a significant reduction in the risk for MACE in patients with T2DM regardless of type or frequency of administration.