GLP-1 receptor agonists deliver the most consistent cardiovascular protection for adults with type 2 diabetes, new research shows, but the evidence is unlikely to lead to a change in prescribing habits — at least for now.

The results from a large observational study follow a wave of major cardiovascular outcomes trials published this year, which reinforces the dual therapeutic goals of glycaemic control and cardiovascular risk reduction.

In this latest analysis of nearly 300,000 adults, US researchers evaluated cardiovascular risk as stratified by different classes of glucose-lowering agents.

They found significant differences in cardiovascular outcomes among four glucose-lowering drug classes: GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), SGLT2 inhibitors, sulfonylureas and DPP-4 inhibitors.