In a patient with type 2 diabetes and obesity, which medication class has demonstrated cardiovascular benefit and potential weight loss?

• A. DPP-4 inhibitors
• B. SGLT2 inhibitors
• C. Insulin
• D. GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide)

Answer: (D)

In this scenario, the goal is a medication that both lowers cardiovascular risk and helps reduce weight. GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide, have robust cardiovascular outcome data showing a reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events and often cardiovascular death. At the same time, they promote weight loss by slowing gastric emptying and reducing appetite. This combination makes them particularly well-suited for patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Other options can be CV-safe or offer weight loss to some extent, but GLP-1 receptor agonists provide the strongest overall dual benefit, whereas insulin tends to cause weight gain and DPP-4 inhibitors are usually weight-neutral with less consistent CV risk reduction.