Cardiovascular protective properties of incretin-based therapies in type 2 diabetes

Purpose of review Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic dysmetabolic condition characterized by hyperglycemia and accompanied by dyslipidemia (low HDL, high triglycerides), and hypertension associated with insulin resistance in obesity. In addition to the glucose-reducing effects, incretin-based therapies have been found to have cardiovascular protective properties. This review summarizes the best available evidence favoring these positive pleiotropic effects of incretin mimetics as well as incretin enhancers. Recent findings Studies in animals and humans are accumulating showing the direct as well as indirect actions of the glucagon-like peptide 1 analogues and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors on the cardiovascular system. This class of agents appear to have effects on the cardiomyocytes, blood vessels, adipose tissue, regulation of blood pressure, and postprandial intestinal lipoprotein metabolism. Summary Long-term hard outcome trials are under way that investigate the effects of incretin-based treatments on elevated cardiovascular risks in patients with type 2 diabetes.