skip to main content

GLP-1 RA Cardiovascular Benefit — EECC MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

ModerateHypertension & Preventive CardiologyGLP-1 RA Cardiovascular BenefitEECC

A 42-year-old man with type 1 diabetes and hypertension asks about the cardiovascular benefit of GLP-1 receptor agonists. His HbA1c is 66 mmol/mol on metformin and insulin. What is the evidence?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — GLP-1 receptor agonists (liraglutide, semaglutide, dulaglutide) reduce major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes and established CVD or high CV risk — however, they are NOT currently indicated for type 1 diabetes

GLP-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated robust cardiovascular benefit in type 2 diabetes: LEADER (liraglutide), SUSTAIN-6 (semaglutide), REWIND (dulaglutide) showed significant MACE reduction. Mechanisms include: weight loss, BP reduction, lipid improvement, anti-inflammatory effects, and possible direct cardioprotective effects. The ESC CVD Prevention Guidelines and ESC/EASD Diabetes Guidelines recommend GLP-1 RAs as preferred glucose-lowering therapy in T2DM patients with established ASCVD or high CV risk (alongside SGLT2 inhibitors). However, GLP-1 RAs are NOT currently indicated or licenced for type 1 diabetes — the cardiovascular trials only enrolled T2DM patients. Semaglutide (STEP-HFpEF) has shown benefit in obesity-related HFpEF (irrespective of diabetes), expanding potential indications.

Reference: ESC/EASD Diabetes Guidelines; LEADER/SUSTAIN-6/REWIND Trials