New Research Confirms GLP-1 Medications Protect the Heart, Not Just Blood Sugar

A large study published this month in Nature Medicine helps answer a question many patients and clinicians have been asking: Do the newer diabetes medications, semaglutide and tirzepatide, actually protect the heart? The study demonstrates that both medications provide cardiovascular protection through solid real-world evidence. [1] In this large real-world observational study, researchers from Mass General Brigham examined health records from nearly one million adults with type 2 diabetes in the United States. They compared outcomes in people taking semaglutide (sold as Ozempic and Wegovy), tirzepatide (sold as Mounjaro and Zepbound), and older diabetes medications. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025. [2]What did the study find?The research shows that the use of these medications leads to lower rates of heart attacks and strokes as well as decreased mortality rates. Semaglutide was associated with an 18 percent lower combined risk of heart attack and stroke compared with sitagliptin, an older diabetes drug with no known effect on heart outcomes. The research shows that tirzepatide reduces cardiovascular events by 13 percent in comparison to dulaglutide which is an established GLP-1 medication from previous years. The first year of treatment showed these benefits to patients. The timing aligns with mechanisms which operate separately from weight reduction effects. Weight typically takes longer to change significantly. The research revealed minor differences between tirzepatide and semaglutide when the scientists performed a direct comparison. Both offered meaningful protection. The results of this study conflict with manufacturer-funded research which showed greater benefits for their respective products.Why this study is important GLP-1 receptor agonists (the drug class that includes both medications) were first developed to help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. The weight loss was initially considered a side effect. The situation evolved through the years. These medications are now widely prescribed for weight management, with or without diabetes. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in people with diabetes. Any treatment associated with reduced cardiovascular risk while also improving blood sugar control and supporting weight loss offers real value. The results demonstrate standard clinical practice data which supports the findings from controlled clinical studies. The present state of our lives determines our success in life. The conference presented a separate observational study which confirmed the same finding. The entire situation depends on more than just medication. The researchers examined medical records from 63,000 military veterans who received GLP-1 medications after their diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. The research showed that people who followed a healthy lifestyle experienced a 50 percent reduction in major heart problems compared to those who received regular diabetes treatment without medication. The research examined seven habits which included healthy eating and physical activity and smoking abstinence and proper sleep and controlled alcohol consumption and stress reduction and social bonds. Even those who managed just six of these eight factors saw substantial benefit. The message is straightforward. These medications appear to work better when combined with healthy routines. The timing of prediabetes development forms a crucial factor for effective intervention. The Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders published new research based on data from 10,000 Indian participants. The research indicates that people who started prediabetes management within two years of their diagnosis were successful in preventing their condition from developing into type 2 diabetes. [3] Prediabetes means blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range. The condition affects more than one in three adults in the United States. Research from the Diabetes Prevention Programme has shown that lifestyle changes, modest weight loss of around 7 percent, and 150 minutes of physical activity per week can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent. The earlier someone acts, the better the outcomes. Waiting too long makes reversal harder. The clinical guidelines have received their most recent update. The American Diabetes Association published its 2025 Standards of Care earlier this year. The ADA Standards now more broadly recommend GLP-1 receptor agonists for people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, with the goal of lowering heart disease risk and slowing kidney damage. [4] The guidelines also specifically endorse GLP-1 medications for those with type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) to improve symptoms and quality of life. The updated guidance now recommends plant-based protein sources while promoting fiber from multiple sources and restricting saturated fat intake and advocating for water instead of sweetened beverages. The bottom line For people living with type 2 diabetes, the cardiovascular benefits of medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide now have strong support from real-world evidence. The medications serve functions that extend beyond their blood sugar regulation abilities. The medications help patients avoid heart attacks and strokes and deadly outcomes. The basics remain superior to all medications. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and not smoking remain the foundation of good metabolic health. The best outcomes appear to come from combining both approaches. The next appointment with your doctor will be the right time for you to bring up these options if you have diabetes or prediabetes and haven’t talked about them yet. References and Further Reading Krüger, N., et al. (2025). Cardiovascular outcomes of semaglutide and tirzepatide for patients with type 2 diabetes in clinical practice. Nature Medicine .American Heart Association. (n.d.). Scientific Sessions 2025. The Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders. American Diabetes Association. (2025). Standards of Care in Diabetes—2025. Diabetes Care , 48 (Supplement_1). This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.