Which class of medication reduces the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke in diabetes patients?

Incretin mimetics, also known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, are a class of diabetes medications that have demonstrated benefits beyond glucose control, particularly in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke in patients with diabetes. These medications enhance insulin secretion in response to meals, suppress glucagon release, and slow gastric emptying, which helps in achieving better blood glucose management.

Moreover, studies such as the LEADER trial and the SUSTAIN studies have shown that patients taking incretin mimetics experienced a significant reduction in cardiovascular risk compared to those on other diabetes medications. This cardiovascular protective effect is attributed to various factors, including improvements in blood pressure, weight reduction, and direct benefits on the heart and blood vessels.

In contrast, while beta-blockers are used to manage cardiovascular diseases, they do not specifically reduce the risk of events in diabetes patients. Sulfonylureas primarily function by increasing insulin production but lack robust cardiovascular benefits. Thiazolidinediones improve insulin sensitivity and may have some cardiovascular effects, but they are not as strongly associated with decreased rates of myocardial infarction and stroke as incretin mimetics.