Results from the SOUL Trial: The Diabetologists' Perspective

At the EASD 2024 Annual Meeting, the SOUL trial attracted significant attention as the first study to show cardiovascular risk reduction using an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist. In this episode, Dr Rodica Busui (Oregon Health & Science University-OHSU, Oregon, USA) explains the trial’s major outcomes, including a 14% reduction in major adverse cardiovascular events -matching results previously observed with injectable GLP-1 formulations. The discussion highlights the potential impact of an oral agent on clinical practice, including improved accessibility, suitability for older adults, and earlier use in the treatment pathway. Dr Busui also reviews new data on heart failure phenotypes, particularly HFpEF, and the growing need to address cardiometabolic multimorbidity in people with type 2 diabetes. Another key topic is the high proportion of participants using SGLT2 inhibitors in the trial. The reassuring safety data regarding combined therapy offers important guidance for clinicians prescribing contemporary cardiometabolic treatments. This episode provides a clear and timely overview of how oral GLP-1 therapies may influence the future of cardiovascular and diabetes care.