Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

Patients in this arm will receive liraglutide, according to the current clinical practice.

Liraglutide: Patients in this arm will receive one daily subcutaneous injection of liraglutide. The starting dose is 0.6 mg/dl per day. The dose has to be increased to 1.2 mg/dl per day after the first week of treatment and to 1.8 mg/dl after the second one.

Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored with optimization of the therapy for atherosclerosis major risk factors.

Control: Patients in this arm will be strictly monitored for atherosclerosis major risk factors, such as hypertension and dyslipidemia, and treated according to current clinical practice.

To evaluate the change of variables over time, we subtracted the values at the start from values at the end. A 2-sample t test was used to compare differences between the interventions. The χ2 test was used for comparing proportions of participants in the 2 groups who reached the primary end point after the intervention. Relative risks (RRs) and 95%Cis were calculated to demonstrate the relationship between the intervention and the achievement of the primary end point. A 2-sided P < .05 was considered statistically significant.