The cardiovascular phenotype: impact on choice of glucose- lowering therapy.

One of the major endpoints to be considered while choosing glucose-lowering therapy is their impact on cardiovascular outcomes. As a corollary, the cardiovascular health assessment of a person with diabetes informs the choice of glucose-lowering treatment. The clinical aspects included in this bidirectional relationship are described in this review as the cardiovascular phenotype. Vital signs, cardiac autonomic function, myocardial health and coronary status influence, and are influenced by, choice of glucose-lowering therapy. Such therapy also has an impact on cerebrovascular and peripheral arterial health. These aspects should be considered while planning treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus.