John S. is a 63-year-old Caucasian man with significant abdominal obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia as well. On the basis of an exercise stress test, John was recently diagnosed with silent ischemia. John’s current medications include metformin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, an ACE inhibitor/HCTZ agent, a calcium channel blocker, a high-dose statin, and ezetimibe. John’s relevant physical exam and laboratory findings are as follows:
BMI 34.8 kg/m2
Blood pressure 140/86 mm Hg
HbA1C 7.2%
Total cholesterol 150 mg/dL
LDL-C 79 mg/dL
HDL-C 42 mg/dL
Triglycerides 145 mg/dL
non-HDL-C 118 mg/dL
eGFR 65 mL/min/1.73 m2
ACR 100 mg albumin/g creatinine
You explain John’s options for antihyperglycemic therapy. Which of the following answers most accurately describes the extraglycemic benefits of the different options?
A. The GLP-1 receptor agonists may improve endothelial function and reduce infarct size and the SGLT2 inhibitors are likely to improve arterial blood flow.
B. The DPP-4 inhibitors are not safe for people with cardiovascular disease, while the proven cardiovascular benefits of GLP-1 receptor agonists are consistent across the class.
C. DPP-4 inhibitors and SGLT2 inhibitors both reduce blood pressure, which accounts for their similar effects on heart failure.
D. The cardiovascular benefits of both the GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors derive mainly from their effects on weight.
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