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Oral GLP-1 analogue: perspectives and impact on atherosclerosis in type 2 diabetic patients.

Cardiovasc Diabetol · 2021

Last updated 2026-05-28

Oral semaglutide, a GLP-1 drug, helps control blood sugar and leads to an average body weight loss of 4.2 kg in people with type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest it may also reduce the risk of death from heart-related events by 26% and improve blood vessel function, though more research is needed to confirm these benefits.

AI summary of the abstract below.

JournalCardiovasc Diabetol, 2021
Citations29
Relative citation ratio1.99
NIH percentile73
Molecules
Conditions studied Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risk Reduction

Abstract

Cardiovascular events related to atherosclerosis are responsible for high morbidity and mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes. Improvement in care, especially in early stages, is crucial. Oral semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue, controls blood glucose and results in significant body weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. Beyond these well-known effects, an interesting aspect of this drug is its antiatherogenic activity, which should be further explored in clinical practice. This paper reviews the evidence related to oral semaglutide decreasing cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes, focusing on the drug's antiatherosclerotic properties. The glucagon-like peptide 1 analogue restores endothelial dysfunction, induces vasodilatation, and reduces plasma lipids. Oral semaglutide showed cardiovascular safety profile, with significant reduced risk of death from cardiovascular events. Based on current data, clinicians should consider oral semaglutide for type 2 diabetes management.

Verbatim abstract via PubMed 34911560 ↗