Role of oral anti-diabetic agents in modifying cardiovascular risk factors.

Patients with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and it accounts for up to 80% of excess deaths in these patients. It has been recognized that type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased prevalence of CVD risk factors, including hypertension, dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria, and altered hemostasis. The benefit of cardiovascular protection can only be partially explained by controlling hyperglycemia. Some of the oral agents used to treat hyperglycemia significantly modify other cardiovascular risk factors. This article will review oral agents used to treat type 2 diabetes and their effects on modifying CVD risk factors.