Disparities in adoption of new diabetic therapies with cardiovascular benefits

Aims: Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists (GLP1a) have cardiovascular benefit, but adoption into clinical practice has been lagging. We aim to evaluate use of SGLT2i and GLP1a across socioeconomic strata (SES), medical risk as well as provider type. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the prescription of SGLT2i or GLP1a within 12 months of clinic visit between January 1, 2018 and January 1, 2019 using de-identified claims data. The primary outcome was the composite of a medication fill of either an SGLT2i and/or GLP1a within 180 days of the index visit. Results: Of the total cohort, 125,636 (15.8 %) received either a GLP-1a or SGLT2i. The odds of prescription of either medication was 0.64 [p = 0.006)] in patients with heart failure. Patients who identified as Black, Hispanic or Asian had lower odds of the primary outcome [Black: (AOR 0.81, p < 0.000); Hispanic: (AOR 0.87, p < 0.000); Asian: (AOR 0.83, p < 0.000). The odds was higher for those treated by an endocrinologist versus primary care clinician [AOR 2.12, p < 0.000)]. Conclusions: Prescription of SGLT2i or GLP1a was lower among patients with cardiovascular co-morbidities and those who identified as Black, Hispanic or Asian. Further efforts to minimize these disparities should be pursued.

Automated summary

This study aims to evaluate the use of SGLT2i and GLP1a across socioeconomic strata, medical risk, and provider type. The study found that patients with heart failure had a lower likelihood of being prescribed these medications, as did Black, Hispanic, and Asian patients. Prescription rates were higher among patients treated by an endocrinologist compared to primary care clinicians.