Abstract

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 diabetes (T2D), which significantly increases morbidity and death. Diabetes reduces a person’s functioning and quality of life, and because of comor bidities, including cardiovascular (CV) problems, it often leads to early mortality. The study searched for research on the relative effectiveness of more recent antidiabetic drugs on CV outcomes in individuals with T2D mellitus using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The search method comprised medical subject headers and keywords. The RayymanTM tool was used to assess the retrieved articles for eligibility and exclusion criteria. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale and the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for randomized controlled trials were used to assess the quality and risk of bias. Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as liraglutide and semaglutide demonstrated significant cardioprotective effects in high-risk T2D patients. These medications reduced major adverse cardiovascular events and mortality rates compared to traditional therapies. Efpeglenatide and tirzepatide exhibited superior glycemic control and weight reduction benefits, while also improving renal outcomes. However, gastrointestinal side effects were more common, leading to treatment discontinuation in some cases. Newer antidiabetic agents, particularly GLP-1 receptor agonists, offer substantial CV and metabolic benefits for T2D management, especially in high-risk individuals. These medications significantly reduce the risk of CV death and major CV events while improving glycemic control. Future research should prioritize long-term outcomes and safety profiles to enhance therapeutic strategies in diabetes care.

Key words: Efficacy, antidiabetic medications, cardiovascular, outcomes, review