Effects of tirzepatide versus semaglutide on cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is a common condition that causes the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood to become too high. Tirzepatide and semaglutide are both types of medication used to treat people who have type 2 diabetes. They work by mimicking hormones that are naturally secreted by the intestine after a meal, prompting secretion of the hormone insulin which helps control the blood sugar levels. Tirzepatide also reduces appetite by slowing down the time it takes the stomach to empty and interacting with areas in the brain that signal fullness.

Tirzepatide has been shown to improve some of the risks of cardiovascular complications (such as reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke) in people with diabetes. However, whether the benefits of tirzepatide are superior to those of semaglutide in the cardiovascular risk in patients with diabetes is still uncertain.

In this study we aim to evaluate the effects of tirzepatide, comparing with semaglutide, on markers of cardiovascular risk in people with type 2 diabetes such as weight loss, blood pressure and blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Any new information can then be used to inform patient care decisions.