LAUSR

ABSTRACT To provide an overview of cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT) with once-weekly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs), and other recent CVOTs, and to discuss the implications for the management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Details of completed and ongoing CVOTs of glucose-lowering drugs from primary articles and ClinicalTrials.gov were collated and critically reviewed for information relating to patient populations and primary outcomes. Cardiovascular outcome trials have demonstrated the cardiovascular (CV) safety of a number of new glucose-lowering drugs. Recent trials suggest that some glucose-lowering drugs—including the once-weekly GLP-1RA semaglutide (post hoc analysis) and once-daily liraglutide—may reduce the risk of CV events in patients with T2D and high CV risk. Given their prime role in managing treatment choices for patients with T2D, nurse practitioners should strongly consider prescribing therapies, such as GLP-1RAs, that offer improved glycemic control, weight loss, a low risk of hypoglycemia, and beneficial CV outcomes.