Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder with multiple complications [including  cardiovascular (CV) disease] which negatively impact patients and the healthcare system. In large part due to the lack of clarity on antihyperglycemic agents’ effect on CV risk, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mandated CV outcomes trials (CVOTs) to assess the CV safety of novel glucose-lowering agents. Among these many CVOTs, the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) were elevated in clinical practice as some GLP-1 RAs showcased substantial CV and renal benefits. These benefits are now reflected in several evidence-based guidelines as well in the FDA package inserts for dulaglutide, liraglutide, and injectable semaglutide. Despite the availability of this information, there are many gaps in practice among cardiologists pertaining to confidence and application of this knowledge to utilize GLP-1 RAs in patients with type 2 diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). These current challenges related to GLP-1 RA therapy will be highlighted in this program, including glycemic and extra-glycemic effects, familiarity with recent evidence-based guidelines and CVOTs, and adverse event education and management. Through this clinical activity, with the guidance of key clinical questions answered by expert faculty, there will be improvement in clinician understanding of the efficacy, safety, profile, and roles of GLP-1 RAs, utilization of treatment guidelines and literature, and implementation of GLP-1 RA therapy to optimize and individualize care in patients with T2D and ASCVD. 

Presenting Faculty

• 

  Jorge Plutzky, MD

  Director, Preventive Cardiology
  Cardiovascular Medicine
  Brigham and Women's Hospital
  Boston, Massachusetts

• 

  Helena W. Rodbard, MD

  Past President, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)
  Past President, American College of Endocrinology (ACE)
  Founder and Medical Director, Endocrine and Metabolic Consultants
  Rockville, Maryland