Diabetes is a chronic medical condition that affects the way your body processes blood sugar or glucose. With over 463 million people worldwide living with diabetes, it has become a significant health challenge.

Diabetes increases the risk of developing heart disease, and people with diabetes are twice as likely to have heart disease or a stroke than those without it. However, some diabetes drugs can be beneficial to heart health and reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases.

Glycemic Control

The primary goal of diabetes treatment is to control the level of sugar in your blood, which is referred to as glycemic control. One of the essential factors in achieving glycemic control is medication.

Diabetes drugs improve glycemic control by reducing blood sugar levels, and some of them, such as metformin, can also lower the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol in the blood. Lowering the level of LDL cholesterol is beneficial for heart health because high LDL levels can lead to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Additionally, some diabetes drugs can improve insulin sensitivity, which is helpful in preventing heart disease.

Metformin

The most commonly prescribed diabetes drug is metformin. This drug works by reducing the amount of glucose that the liver produces and by increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin.

Several studies have shown that metformin reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from cardiovascular diseases. A study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that people with type 2 diabetes taking metformin had a 35% reduction in heart attacks and a 39% reduction in the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Metformin also has a positive effect on weight loss, which is essential in reducing the risk of heart disease.

SGLT2 Inhibitors

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are another class of diabetes drugs that work by blocking the reabsorption of glucose by the kidneys, causing glucose to be excreted in the urine instead.

They are relatively new drugs that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat type 2 diabetes. Recent studies have shown that SGLT2 inhibitors can also be beneficial to heart health.

For example, the EMPA-REG OUTCOME trial showed that empagliflozin, an SGLT2 inhibitor, significantly reduced the incidence of heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death in people with type 2 diabetes who had established cardiovascular disease. The CANVAS Program also found that canagliflozin, another SGLT2 inhibitor, reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and cardiovascular death.

SGLT2 inhibitors have also been shown to reduce blood pressure and promote weight loss, which are beneficial to heart health.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are diabetes drugs that work by mimicking the effect of a naturally occurring hormone called GLP-1, which stimulates insulin production and reduces glucagon secretion.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are frequently used with metformin to achieve better glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes. Recently, studies have shown that GLP-1 receptor agonists are beneficial to heart health.

For example, the LEADER trial found that liraglutide, an GLP-1 receptor agonist, significantly reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, in people with type 2 diabetes who had established cardiovascular disease. Exenatide and semaglutide are also GLP-1 receptor agonists that have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. GLP-1 receptor agonists have also been shown to improve blood pressure and weight loss, which are beneficial to heart health.

Insulin

For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin is the primary medication used to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins by helping the body’s cells to absorb glucose.

However, insulin therapy can lead to weight gain, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Insulin doses that are too high can also cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), which is a medical emergency that can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, or death. Therefore, insulin therapy should be carefully managed to avoid these risks.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a complex medical condition that requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. Diabetes drugs can help to control blood sugar levels, reduce the risk of complications, and improve heart health.

Metformin, SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, and insulin are diabetes drugs that have been shown to be beneficial to heart health by reducing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular diseases. However, diabetes drugs should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management to achieve optimal health outcomes.