Publication

Abstract : Macrovascular complications are the leading cause of mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes. Thus, a very important goal in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is to reduce the risk of macrovascular complications and mortality. Hyperglycaemia, obesity and hypertension are well-known risk factors for vascular complications in patients with type 2 diabetes. Obesity is a common co-morbidity and an independent risk factor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hypertension is a condition associated with diabetes that increases the risk of cardiovascular complications and death. It has been demonstrated that decrease and control in blood pressure reduces the risk of macrovascular complications. Patients with type 2 diabetes have a decreased β-cell function, which is one of the reasons for disease progression. Current medications are able to improve glycaemic control, but they do not reverse the disease progression and often result in weight gain. Hence, new treatment approaches are needed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The role of the native glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) biology has generated new hope for the successful management of type 2 diabetes. Liraglutide is the first once-daily human GLP-1 analogue, which has been developed to address the unmet medical needs in the management of type 2 diabetes. This novel drug may offer additional advantages over other current antidiabetic medications. Clinical trials demonstrate that liraglutide reduces weight, lowers blood pressure and restores β-cell function, besides improving glycaemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results also show that liraglutide is well tolerated with minimal risk of hypoglycaemia due to its glucose-dependent stimulation of insulin secretion. The overall clinical findings indicate that liraglutide is a treatment for type 2 diabetes, which improves β-cell function, and reduces the burden of type 2 diabetes and its vascular complications. © SUPPLEMENT TO JAPI.