Abstract
This commentary analyzes the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results (LEADER) trial, which has reported the cardiovascular benefits of liraglutide. It places the results of this seminal trial in the context of the evolution of diabetes care, compares them with other recently published cardiovascular outcome trials, and suggests novel mechanisms to explain the benefits and properties of liraglutide. The editorial discusses the potential impact that LEADER will have on the prevention and management of diabetes and its vascular complications.