Cardiovascular effects of anti-diabetic medications in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Over the past several years, there have been a significant number of new agents developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Our goal in this article is to review the cardiovascular effects (risks and benefits) of these oral and non-insulin injectable agents. We review six major categories of diabetic therapies: biguanides, sulfonylureas, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, GLP-1 agonists, and DPP-IV inhibitors. In order to achieve a personalized regimen that aims for optimal outcomes, we must take into consideration each drug's side effects, patients' cardiovascular risk factors, and their individual health profile.