Expert Opinion on the Use of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Established or High‑risk Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in Thailand

Diabetes is associated with cardiovascular (CV) disease, especially in patients with inadequate glycaemic control or high CV risk factors. The new paradigm of diabetes management focuses not only on glycaemic control but also on CV risk factors to reduce major adverse cardiac events. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are anti-diabetic medications with several favourable mechanisms via the incretin hormone. Clinical studies have established the positive CV outcomes of this medication in patients with high CV risks. However, closing the knowledge gap is crucial for the effective use of GLP-1 RAs in Thailand. This expert opinion primarily adopts definitions of CV risk and treatment targets from treatment guidelines, examines the main outcomes of trials and gives a summary on GLP-1 RAs to encourage their appropriate use by healthcare professionals in Thailand and possibly other countries in Asia.