The Roles of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists and Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors in Decreasing the Occurrence of Adverse Cardiorenal Events in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased serum glucose due to errors in insulin production or response. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has continued to rise globally over the years, with roughly 7079 persons per 100,000 expected to be impacted by 2030. A vast number of patients with diabetes mellitus experience unfavorable side effects such as weight gain, hypoglycemia, and hepatorenal toxicity from the several diabetic medications available. These adverse effects may result in life-threatening consequences with a high likelihood of occurrence; therefore, ongoing efforts continue to develop medications with improved tolerability and better glycemic control. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are examples of new innovative targeted therapies to manage diabetes mellitus and potentially improve cardiorenal conditions. This review article details the specific mechanisms of action, potential side effects, and cardiorenal benefits of GLP-1RA and SGLT-2i therapies to fully understand their roles in combating type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D).