Imagine, if you will, a world where diabetes-associated cardiovascular conditions become a thing of the past. Sounds too good to be true? As of 2024, diabetes affects a staggering 14% of the global population—that’s over 800 million people. Here in the United States, more than 38 million individuals had diabetes in 2021, and shockingly, 8.7 million of them didn’t even know it, according to the National Diabetes Statistics Report from the CDC. And as we know, unmanaged diabetes can bring a cascade of complications—especially heart disease.

Now, enter a remarkable group of researchers from CPC Clinical Research and the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora. In their randomized STRIDE trial, a full year of semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) injections led to a 21% reduction in lower limb peripheral artery disease (PAD) among individuals with type 2 diabetes. Even more impressive? Participants’ walking ability improved too. This marks semaglutide as the first drug to show benefits for both cardiovascular outcomes and walking function.

And the momentum doesn’t stop there. The SOUL study, focused on oral semaglutide (Rybelsus), showed meaningful cardiovascular improvements over time. Early indications suggest that this pill form could hold its own against the injectable versions—especially in the realm of heart health.

Together, the STRIDE and SOUL studies elevate semaglutide and cardiovascular outcomes into a powerful position within clinical care. According to Dr. Deepak Bhatt of Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in New York City, “These are practice-changing trials. Use has already been increasing and will now further accelerate.” Multiple trials are still underway, but the trajectory is clear—GLP-1 agonists, and semaglutide in particular, are shifting how we approach diabetes and resident wellness.

And just imagine—all these benefits, and yes, maybe even losing a little weight too. That’s a combination most residents and their loved ones can get behind.

Stay well and stay informed!