We are observing a resurgence of major diabetic vascular complications after a period of dramatic decrease during the period 1990 to 2010. The classical division of cardiovascular prevention into primary (with an event) and secondary (without an event) is largely used to describe cardiovascular risk in type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, there is evidence that the cardiovascular risk in diabetes may range from highest in patients who experienced a previous cardiovascular event to mild in patients with the main risk factors at target. Herein, we present details of the 14 cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOTs) published to date, including the total population investigated, and their separation into primary (T2D + multiple risk factors) and secondary prevention (T2D + established cardiovascular disease CVD) populations as detailed within the trials. We also summarize evidence for the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i), glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP1‐RA) and sodium glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT‐2i) versus placebo on the risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE), heart failure (HF) and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). In primary prevention, SGLT‐2i reduce both the risk of hospitalization for HF and progression of DKD; in secondary prevention, SGLT‐2i are effective on the three endpoints, DPP‐4i are neutral, while GLP1‐RA show mixed results.