Comprehensive Cardiovascular and Renal Protection in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is one of the main public health care problems worldwide. It is associated with a marked increased risk of developing atherosclerotic vascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and death. It is essential to act during the early phases of the disease, through the intensification of lifestyle changes and the prescription of those drugs that have been shown to reduce these complications, with the aim not only of achieving an adequate metabolic control, but also a comprehensive vascular risk control. In this consensus document, developed by the different specialists that treat these patients (endocrinologists, primary care physicians, internists, nephrologists and cardiologists), a more appropriate approach in the management of patients with T2DM or its complications is provided. A particular focus is given to the global control of cardiovascular risk factors, the inclusion of weight within the therapeutic objectives, the education of patients, the deprescription of those drugs without cardiovascular benefit, and the inclusion of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors as cardiovascular protective drugs, at the same level as statins, acetylsalicylic acid, or renin angiotensin system inhibitors.

Automated summary

Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a significant global public health issue, associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and mortality. Early intervention is crucial, focusing on lifestyle changes and prescription of drugs that reduce complications, aiming for metabolic control and comprehensive vascular risk control. This consensus document provides a more appropriate approach for managing patients with T2DM or its complications, highlighting the importance of cardiovascular risk factor control, weight inclusion in therapeutic goals, patient education, deprescription of non-cardiovascular beneficial drugs, and the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors as cardiovascular protective drugs on par with statins, acetylsalicylic acid, or renin angiotensin system inhibitors.