Diabetes is associated with an increased risk for developing premature macrovascular complications. The process of irreversible subclinical damage to the vasculature already starts during its preceding stages. Dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors have been shown to attenuate vascular damage in preclinical studies. Off-target effects on adipose tissue inflammation, liver steatosis and atherosclerotic plaques have been extensively documented in animal studies.