Deficits and Disparities in Early Uptake of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and SGLT2i Among Medicare-Insured Adults Following a New Diagnosis of Cardiovascular Disease or Heart Failure

Encouraging the prescribing of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA medications to reduce cardiovascular and renal risk in patients with type 2 diabetes: Rationale and design of a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA) medications reduce the risk of cardiovascular and renal complications among patients with type 2 diabetes but are underutilized. There are numerous barriers to prescribing including insurance coverage, medication availability, comfort with prescribing, and diffusion of responsibility of prescribing across specialists. Methods are needed to support prescribing in primary care.

METHODS

This was a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial testing interventions to increase appropriate SGLT2i and GLP-1RA prescribing. Primary care providers (PCPs) were randomized to 1 of 3 arms: (1) peer champion support (2) peer champion support and information on insurance coverage, or (3) usual care (no intervention). PCPs in both intervention arms received a welcome email and electronic health record (EHR) messages before visits with patients who had sub-optimally controlled diabetes and an indication for 1 of these medications. In the peer champion support only arm the EHR messages included prescribing tips. In the arm that provided peer champion support and information on insurance coverage, EHR messages contained information on medications in each class that would be most affordable for the patient based on their insurance coverage and offered support for prior authorizations if needed. The primary outcome was prescriptions for an SGLT2i or GLP-1RA medication, beginning 3 days before the targeted visit and continuing through 28 days, in each intervention arm compared to control.

RESULTS

191 primary care providers were included in the study. 1,389 patients had at least 1 visit scheduled with their PCP during the 6-month intervention period; of these 1,079 patients attended at least 1 of these visits and will be included in the primary outcome analysis. 66 providers (484 patients) received the peer champion intervention alone, 63 providers (446 patients) received the peer champion intervention and information on insurance coverage, and 62 providers (459 patients) received usual care. On average, patients were 66 years old, 46% were female, 61% were white, and 16% were Hispanic. There were small differences between groups with regards to patient sex, race, ethnicity, partner status, and percent with Medicare insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

These medication classes have the potential to reduce cardiovascular and kidney disease among patients with type 2 diabetes. This study tests interventions to support prescribing of these medications in primary care.

CLINICAL TRIAL

Clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: (NCT, Registered: NCT05463705).

Evidence-based SGLT2 inhibitor and GLP-1 receptor agonist use by race in the VA healthcare system

Importance

Adoption of novel therapeutics often lags for Black versus non-Hispanic White patients. Seminal clinical trials established the cardiovascular efficacy of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, it is uncertain whether race influences the evidence-based prescription of these agents.

Objective

To determine whether evidence-based prescription of SGLT2i or GLP-1RA differs by Black versus White race in the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system.

Design Setting and Participants

Retrospective cohort study of US Veterans with T2D and angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease (CAD) at 84 VA medical centers over the period 2015-2023. Data from the VA Clinical Assessment, Reporting, and Tracking Program were used to construct cohorts eligible for SGLT2i or GLP-1RA treatment based on eligibility criteria for the seminal Empagliflozin, Cardiovascular Outcomes, and Mortality in T2D (EMPA-REG OUTCOME) or the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes (LEADER) trial, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression estimated adjusted odds of trial-concordant SGLT2i or GLP-1RA prescription by race.

Exposures

Self-identified race.

Main Outcomes and Measures

SGLT2i or GLP-1RA prescription among those with an evidence-based (trial-concordant) indication.

Results

Of 63,561 Veterans with T2D and CAD, 3527 Black and 18,668 White patients met criteria for trial-concordant SGLT2i treatment and 2020 Black and 10,103 White patients for GLP1-RA treatment. Trial-concordant prescription of both classes increased over time for both races but reached only 42 % for SGLT2i and 15 % for GLP1-RA in 2023. Black versus White race was not associated with evidence-based SGLT2i prescription (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.96, 95 % CI 0.89-1.04, P = 0.32). However, Black Veterans were less likely than White to be provided with a trial-concordant GLP1-RA prescription (adjusted OR 0.85, 95 % CI 0.74-0.98, P = 0.025).

Conclusions and Relevance

Among patients with T2D and CAD in the VA healthcare system, evidence-based SGLT2i and GLP1-RA prescription increased over time, but many eligible patients remained untreated. Although SGLT2i prescription did not differ by race, Black versus White Veterans were less likely to receive evidence-based GLP1-RA prescription. Racial disparities in evidence-based cardiovascular drug prescription exist even in a healthcare system with few economic barriers and may be drug class-specific.

The application of neighborhood area deprivation index to improve health equity across the spectrum of heart failure: a review

Neighborhood environments play a key role in the development of individual risk factors for heart failure (HF) and impact health outcomes across the spectrum of HF. The area deprivation index (ADI) is an important composite measure of neighborhood depravity that has been associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes. The objective of our review is to discuss how neighborhood deprivation, with an emphasis on ADI, influences the spectrum of HF among patients and to propose solutions for ADI applications to improve the implementation of equitable care across the HF spectrum. MEDLINE/Pubmed was systematically searched to identify observational studies published between 2016 and 2024, examining the impact of ADI on HF risk, management, and outcomes. The search involved crossing two sets of terms included in article titles and abstracts: (1) social deprivation, area deprivation index, and neighborhood deprivation; (2) cardiovascular disease risk, heart failure, heart failure medications, and heart failure outcomes. Additional references were identified through searching relevant author reference lists and review articles. Key findings suggest that (1) the prevalence of HF risk is increased in individuals residing in neighborhoods with higher ADI; (2) HF patients living in more deprived neighborhoods have increased odds of being hospitalized for HF; (3) after HF admission, the relationship between ADI and risk for readmissions varies by race; and (4) there is an excess 30-day mortality of HF associated with race and neighborhood deprivation. The ADI is an important value to consider in patients with HF, given its association with clinical outcomes. Therefore, we suggest practical ways to incorporate ADI into the management of patients with HF to improve equitable outcomes.

Factors and Disparities Influencing Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors and Glucagon-like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists Initiation in the United States: A Scoping Review of Evidence

INTRODUCTION

Health disparities affecting minority populations and resulting in poorer outcomes for disadvantaged groups have been documented in the literature. Sodium/glucose-cotransporter 2 (SGLT2i) inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) markedly decrease mortality from kidney and cardiovascular events. However, little is known about the factors and disparities that lead to differences in SGLT2i and GLP-1RA initiation across different ethnic groups.

METHODS

This scoping review queried databases using key terms related to disparities in the initiation of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA among high-risk populations. Relevant data from eligible studies were extracted, organized, and analyzed thematically to identify key trends and patterns in the literature.

RESULT

Nineteen studies were included in this review. Key risk factors influencing uptake included age, provider type, race, sex, education, comorbidities, insurance, and income, with minority patients consistently showing lower rates of initiation due to systemic barriers and socioeconomic disparities. Patients who were younger, male, had higher education or income levels, and received care from specialists were more likely to use these therapies.

CONCLUSION

The adoption of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA remains suboptimal despite their proven kidney and cardiovascular benefits. Targeted efforts to reduce socioeconomic and racial inequities based on the factors identified should be encouraged.

Racial and ethnic disparities in the uptake of SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs among Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes and heart failure, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, 2013-2019

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to investigate racial and ethnic disparities in the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists (GLP-1RAs) among older adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiorenal conditions.

METHODS

Using Medicare fee-for-service data (2013-2019), this retrospective cohort study identified older adults (≥65 years) with type 2 diabetes initiating second-line therapies (SGLT2is, GLP1-RAs, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors [DPP4is] and sulfonylureas [SUs]) with (1) heart failure (HF), (2) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), (3) chronic kidney disease (CKD) and (4) no recorded cardiorenal conditions. Participants were classified as non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic. Multinomial regressions, adjusting for sociodemographic, clinical and county-level characteristics, were used to model the odds of initiating SGLT2is or GLP-1RAs within each cohort.

RESULTS

Black participants with HF, ASCVD, CKD or no recorded cardiorenal conditions had 35% (adjusted OR 0.65 [95% CI 0.61, 0.68]), 33% (0.67 [0.64, 0.69]), 32% (0.68 [0.64, 0.72]) and 24% (0.76 [0.74, 0.79]) lower odds of initiating SGLT2is, respectively, than White participants. Disparities ameliorated from 50-60% lower odds in 2013 to 17-18% in 2019. Similar patterns were observed for GLP-1RA uptake among Black participants. By contrast, Hispanic participants had similar odds of SGLT2i initiation in the HF and CKD cohorts as White participants, but 6% (0.94 [0.91, 0.98]) lower odds in the ASCVD cohort. Notable disparities for Hispanic participants compared with White participants were observed for GLP-1RA uptake in the HF, ASCVD, CKD and no cardiorenal conditions cohorts: 11% (0.89 [0.84, 0.94]), 16% (0.84 [0.81, 0.87]), 16% (0.84 [0.80, 0.89]) and 25% (0.75 [0.72, 0.78]) lower odds, respectively. Participants had greater odds than White participants of initiating DPP4is, which confer no cardiorenal benefits, across all cohorts (HF 1.25 [1.19, 1.31]; ASCVD 1.36 [1.32, 1.40]; CKD 1.32 [1.26, 1.38). Adjustment for social determinants of health did not meaningfully change the study findings.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Compared with White participants, disparities in the uptake of SGLT2is were evident for Black participants, and in the uptake of GLP-1RAs for both Black and Hispanic participants. This study highlights how type 2 diabetes management is evolving, while underscoring historical imbalances that have shown signs of abatement.

Achieving equitable access to incretin-based therapies in cardiovascular care

The role of incretin-based therapies, including glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP1RAs) and dual GLP-1/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists, in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity has been increasingly recognized, along with significant cardiovascular (CV) benefits. Despite the clinical efficacy of incretin-based therapies, high costs, suboptimal access, limited insurance coverage, and therapeutic inertia present substantial barriers to widespread adoption. Overcoming these obstacles is essential for the equitable initiation, access, and utilization of incretin-based therapies. Clinicians must make targeted efforts to ensure health equity in the use of these and other advanced therapies.

Cost Offset of Dapagliflozin in the US Medicare Population with Cardio-Kidney Metabolic Syndrome

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is highly prevalent in the US Medicare population and is projected to increase further. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors have indications in chronic kidney disease (CKD), heart failure (HF), and type 2 diabetes (T2D), providing protective efficacy across conditions within CKM syndrome. The objective of this study was to develop a model to extrapolate key outcomes observed in pivotal clinical trials to the US Medicare population, and to assess the potential direct cost offsets associated with dapagliflozin therapy.

METHODS

All US 2022 Medicare beneficiaries (≥ 65 years of age) eligible to receive dapagliflozin were estimated according to drug label indication and Medicare enrollment and claims data. Incidence of key outcomes from the dapagliflozin clinical program were modelled over a 4-year time horizon based on patient-level data with CKD, HF, and T2D. Published cost data of relevant clinical outcomes were used to calculate direct medical care cost-offset associated with treatment with dapagliflozin.

RESULTS

In a population of 13.1 million patients with CKM syndrome, treatment with dapagliflozin in addition to historical standard of care (hSoC) versus hSoC alone led to fewer incidents of HF-related events (hospitalization for HF, 613,545; urgent HF visit, 98,896), renal events (kidney failure, 285,041; ≥ 50% sustained decline in kidney function, 375,137), and 450,355 fewer deaths (of which 225,346 and 13,206 incidences of cardiovascular and renal death were avoided). In total this led to medical care cost offsets of $99.3 billion versus treatment with hSoC only (dapagliflozin plus hSoC, $310.3 billion; hSoC, $211.0 billion).

CONCLUSION

By extrapolating data from trials across multiple indications within CKM syndrome, this broader perspective shows that considerable medical care cost offsets may result through attenuated incidence of clinical events in CKD, T2D, and HF populations if treated with dapagliflozin in addition to hSoC over a 4-year time horizon. Graphical abstract available for this article.

Lessons From Insulin: Policy Prescriptions for Affordable Diabetes and Obesity Medications

Escalating insulin prices have prompted public scrutiny of the practices of drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, health insurers, and pharmacies involved in production and distribution of medications. As a result, a series of policies have been proposed or enacted to improve insulin affordability and foster greater equity in access. These policies have implications for other diabetes and obesity therapeutics. Recent legislation, at both the state and federal level, has capped insulin out-of-pocket payments for some patients. Other legislation has targeted drug manufacturers directly in requiring rebates on drugs with price increases beyond inflation rates, an approach that may restrain price hikes for existing medications. In addition, government negotiation of drug pricing, a contentious issue, has gained traction, with the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 permitting limited negotiation for certain high expenditure drugs without generic or biosimilar competition, including some insulin products and other diabetes medications. However, concerns persist that this may inadvertently encourage higher launch prices for new medications. Addressing barriers to competition has also been a priority such as through increased enforcement against anticompetitive practices (e.g., "product hopping") and reduced regulatory requirements for biosimilar development and market entry. A novel approach involves public production, exemplified by California's CalRx program, which aims to provide biosimilar insulins at significantly reduced prices. Achieving affordable and equitable access to insulin and other diabetes and obesity medications requires a multifaceted approach, involving state and federal intervention, ongoing policy evaluation and refinement, and critical examination of corporate influences in health care.

Randomized Evaluation of a Remote Management Program to Improve Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy: The DRIVE Trial

BACKGROUND

Several SGLT2i (sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitors) and GLP1-RA (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) reduce cardiovascular events and improve kidney outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes; however, utilization remains low despite guideline recommendations.

METHODS

A randomized, remote implementation trial in the Mass General Brigham network enrolled patients with type 2 diabetes with increased cardiovascular or kidney risk. Patients eligible for, but not prescribed, SGLT2i or GLP1-RA were randomly assigned to simultaneous virtual patient education with concurrent prescription of SGLT2i or GLP1-RA (ie, Simultaneous) or 2 months of virtual education followed by medication prescription (ie, Education-First) delivered by a multidisciplinary team driven by nonlicensed navigators and clinical pharmacists who prescribed SGLT2i or GLP1-RA using a standardized treatment algorithm. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with prescriptions for either SGLT2i or GLP1-RA by 6 months.

RESULTS

Between March 2021 and December 2022, 200 patients were randomized. The mean age was 66.5 years; 36.5% were female, and 22.0% were non-White. Overall, 30.0% had cardiovascular disease, 5.0% had cerebrovascular disease, and 1.5% had both. Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was 77.9 mL/(min‧1.73 m2), and mean urine/albumin creatinine ratio was 88.6 mg/g. After 2 months, 69 of 200 (34.5%) patients received a new prescription for either SGLT2i or GLP1-RA: 53.4% of patients in the Simultaneous arm and 8.3% of patients in the Education-First arm (P<0.001). After 6 months, 128 of 200 (64.0%) received a new prescription: 69.8% of patients in the Simultaneous arm and 56.0% of patients in Education-First (P<0.001). Patient self-report of taking SGLT2i or GLP1-RA within 6 months of trial entry was similarly greater in the Simultaneous versus Education-First arm (69 of 116 [59.5%] versus 37 of 84 [44.0%]; P<0.001) Median time to first prescription was 24 (interquartile range [IQR], 13-50) versus 85 days (IQR, 65-106), respectively (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In this randomized trial, a remote, team-based program identifies patients with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular or kidney risk, provides virtual education, prescribes SGLT2i or GLP1-RA, and improves guideline-directed medical therapy. These findings support greater utilization of virtual team-based approaches to optimize chronic disease management.

REGISTRATION

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT06046560.

Race and ethnicity and pharmacy dispensing of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in type 2 diabetes

Background

Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i) and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1 RA) improve cardiorenal outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes. Equitable use of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA has the potential to reduce racial and ethnic health disparities. We evaluated trends in pharmacy dispensing of SGLT2i and GLP-1 RA by race and ethnicity.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of patients (≥18 years) with type 2 diabetes using 2014-2022 electronic health record data from six US care delivery systems. Entry was at earliest pharmacy dispensing of any type 2 diabetes medication. We used multivariable logistic regression to evaluate the association between pharmacy dispensing of SGLT2i and GLP1-RA and race and ethnicity.

Findings

Our cohort included 687,165 patients (median 6 years of dispensing data; median 60 years; 0.3% American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN), 16.6% Asian, 10.5% Black, 1.4% Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (HPI), 31.1% Hispanic, 3.8% Other, and 36.3% White). SGLT2i was lower for AI/AN (OR 0.80, 95% confidence interval 0.68-0.94), Black (0.89, 0.86-0.92) and Hispanic (0.87, 0.85-0.89) compared to White patients. GLP-1 RA was lower for AI/AN (0.78, 0.63-0.97), Asian (0.50, 0.48-0.53), Black (0.86, 0.83-0.90), HPI (0.52, 0.46-0.57), Hispanic (0.69, 0.66-0.71), and Other (0.78, 0.73-0.83) compared to White patients.

Interpretation

Dispensing of SGLT2is, and GLP-1 RAs was lower in minority group patients. There is a need to evaluate approaches to increase use of these cardiorenal protective drugs in patients from racial and ethnic minority groups with type 2 diabetes to reduce adverse cardiorenal outcomes and improve health equity.

Funding

Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and National Institutes of Health.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in the Management of Chronic Coronary Disease

Chronic coronary disease (CCD) comprises a continuum of conditions that include obstructive and non-obstructive coronary artery disease with or without prior acute coronary syndrome. Racial and ethnic representation disparities are pervasive in CCD guideline-informing clinical trials and evidence-based management. These disparities manifest across the entire spectrum of CCD management, spanning from non-pharmacological lifestyle changes to guideline-directed medical therapy, and cardiac rehabilitation to invasive procedures. Recognizing and addressing the historical factors underlying these disparities is crucial for enhancing the quality and equity of CCD management within an increasingly diverse population.

Methods, rationale, and design for a remote pharmacist and navigator-driven disease management program to improve guideline-directed medical therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes at elevated cardiovascular and/or kidney risk

AIM

Describe the rationale for and design of Diabetes Remote Intervention to improVe use of Evidence-based medications (DRIVE), a remote medication management program designed to initiate and titrate guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) at elevated cardiovascular (CV) and/or kidney risk by leveraging non-physician providers.

METHODS

An electronic health record based algorithm is used to identify patients with T2D and either established atherosclerotic CV disease (ASCVD), high risk for ASCVD, chronic kidney disease, and/or heart failure within our health system. Patients are invited to participate and randomly assigned to either simultaneous education and medication management, or a period of education prior to medication management. Patient navigators (trained, non-licensed staff) are the primary points of contact while a pharmacist or nurse practitioner reviews and authorizes each medication initiation and titration under an institution-approved collaborative drug therapy management protocol with supervision from a cardiologist and/or endocrinologist. Patient engagement is managed through software to support communication, automation, workflow, and standardization.

CONCLUSION

We are testing a remote, navigator-driven, pharmacist-led, and physician-overseen management strategy to optimize GDMT for T2D as a population-level strategy to close the gap between guidelines and clinical practice for patients with T2D at elevated CV and/or kidney risk.

Sociodemographic disparities in GLP-1RA and SGLT2i use among US adults with type 2 diabetes: NHANES 2005-March 2020

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are highly effective but underutilized. Our objective was to assess racial/ethnic and other sociodemographic disparities in GLP-1RA/SGLT2i use among US adults with T2D.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005-March 2020. Participants were adults with T2D taking ≥1 anti-diabetic medication, excluding pregnant women and adults with probable T1D. We performed univariate analyses to examine the characteristics of patients using GLP-1RA/SGLT2i and multivariable logistic regression to assess disparities in GLP-1RA/SGLT2i use after adjusting for other patient factors.

RESULTS

Among 4777 people with T2D (representing >18 million US adults) taking ≥1 medication, GLP-1RA/SGLT2i usage increased from 1.4% in 2005-2006 to 13.3% in 2017-2020. In univariate analyses, patients using GLP-1RA/SGLT2i vs. other T2D drugs were more likely to be White than nonwhite (72% vs. 60%, p = .001), but in multivariable analysis there was no significant difference in GLP-1RA/SGLT2i use for nonwhite vs. White patients (aOR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.61, 1.16]). GLP-1RA/SGLT2i use was higher for patients who completed some college (aOR = 1.83, 95% CI [1.06, 3.15]) or above (aOR = 2.06, 95% CI [1.28, 3.32]) vs. high school or less, and for those with an income-poverty ratio ≥4 vs. <2 (aOR = 2.11, 95% CI [1.30, 3.42]).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of GLP-1RA/SGLT2i drugs increased over time but remained low in March 2020. Higher education and income, but not race/ethnicity, were associated with GLP-1RA/SGLT2i use.

Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in achievement of treatment goals within a clinical trial: a secondary analysis of the ACCORD trial

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

Clinical trial participation should theoretically reduce barriers to care by ensuring medication and healthcare access. We aimed to evaluate disparities in achieving diabetes treatment targets by race/ethnicity and educational attainment within the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00000620).

METHODS

The ACCORD trial included three interventions of varying participant burden: glycaemic (high burden), blood pressure (medium burden) and triglyceride-lowering (low burden). We examined adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for achievement of glycaemic targets, blood pressure targets and a ≥25% reduction in triglyceride levels (a proxy for adherence to fenofibrate therapy) in the first year, and for hypoglycaemia requiring medical assistance at any time, by treatment arm, race/ethnicity and educational attainment using multivariable models adjusted for demographics and clinical characteristics. We explored whether disparities in glycaemic goal achievement were mediated by hypoglycaemia, medication use, change in BMI or number of study visits attended.

RESULTS

Compared with White participants, participants who identified as Black, Hispanic and Other race/ethnicity were less likely to achieve glycaemic targets (aOR [95% CI]) 0.63 [0.55,0.71], 0.73 [0.61, 0.88], 0.82 [0.71, 0.96], respectively); Black participants but not Hispanic and Other race/ethnicity participants were less likely to achieve blood pressure targets (aOR [95% CI] 0.77 [0.65, 0.90], 1.01 [0.78, 1.32], 1.01 [0.81, 1.26], respectively); and Black, Hispanic and Other race/ethnicity participants were equally or more likely to achieve triglyceride reduction (aOR [95% CI] 1.77 [1.38, 2.28], 1.34 [0.98, 1.84], 1.43 [1.10, 1.85], respectively). Differences in goal achievement by educational attainment were generally not significant after adjusting for baseline characteristics. Rates of hypoglycaemia requiring medical assistance were highest among Black individuals and those with lower educational attainment. Associations between race/ethnicity and glycaemic control were partially mediated by differences in insulin dosing and oral medication use.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Racially/ethnically minoritised participants in the ACCORD trial were less likely to achieve high-burden (glycaemic) treatment goals but were generally similarly likely to achieve goals of less intensive interventions. Differences in glycaemic treatment goal achievement were partially mediated by differences in medication use but not mediated by hypoglycaemia, change in BMI or study visit attendance.

Neighbourhood-level social deprivation and the risk of recurrent heart failure hospitalizations in type 2 diabetes

BACKGROUND

The importance of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) is acknowledged. As information on the prevalence and influence of social deprivation on HFH is limited, we studied this issue in a racially diverse cohort.

METHODS

Linking data from US Veterans with stable T2D (without prevalent HF) with a zip-code derived population-level social deprivation index (SDI), we grouped them according to increasing SDI as follows: SDI: group I: ≤20; II: 21-40; III: 41-60; IV: 61-80; and V (most deprived) 81-100. Over a 10-year follow-up period, we identified the total (first and recurrent) number of HFH episodes for each patient and calculated the age-adjusted HFH rate [per 1000 patient-years (PY)]. We analysed the incident rate ratio between SDI groups and HFH using adjusted analyses.

RESULTS

In 1 012 351 patients with T2D (mean age 67.5 years, 75.7% White), the cumulative incidence of first HFH was 9.4% and 14.2% in SDI groups I and V respectively. The 10-year total HFH rate was 54.8 (95% CI: 54.5, 55.2)/1000 PY. Total HFH increased incrementally from SDI group I [43.3 (95% CI: 42.4, 44.2)/1000 PY] to group V [68.6 (95% CI: 67.8, 69.9)/1000 PY]. Compared with group I, group V patients had a 53% higher relative risk of HFH. The negative association between SDI and HFH was stronger in Black patients (SDI × Race pinteraction  < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Social deprivation is associated with increased HFH in T2D with a disproportionate influence in Black patients. Strategies to reduce social disparity and equalize racial differences may help to bridge this gap.

Socioeconomic aspects of incretin-based therapy

Incretin-based therapies, particularly glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits in people with type 2 diabetes. However, socioeconomic disparities in their uptake may constrain the collective advantages offered by these medications to the broader population. In this review we examine the socioeconomic disparities in the utilisation of incretin-based therapies and discuss strategies to address these inequalities. Based on real-world evidence, the uptake of GLP-1 RAs is reduced in people who live in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas, have low income and education level, or belong to racial/ethnic minorities, even though these individuals have a greater burden of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Contributing factors include suboptimal health insurance coverage, limited accessibility to incretin-based therapies, financial constraints, low health literacy and physician-patient barriers such as provider bias. Advocating for a reduction in the price of GLP-1 RAs is a pivotal initial step to enhance their affordability among lower socioeconomic groups and improve their value-for-money from a societal perspective. By implementing cost-effective strategies, healthcare systems can amplify the societal benefits of incretin-based therapies, alongside measures that include maximising treatment benefits in specific subpopulations while minimising harms in vulnerable individuals, increasing accessibility, enhancing health literacy and overcoming physician-patient barriers. A collaborative approach between governments, pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers and people with diabetes is necessary for the effective implementation of these strategies to enhance the overall societal benefits of incretin-based therapies.

Use and Interchange of Incretin Mimetics in the Treatment of Metabolic Diseases: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE

Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and now tirzepatide, a dual GLP-1 RA/glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide agonist, have numerous advantages in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity, yet only 11% of patients with type 2 diabetes are prescribed a GLP-1 RA. This narrative review addresses the complexity and cost issues surrounding incretin mimetics to support clinicians.

METHODS

This narrative review summarizes key trials on the differing effects of incretin mimetics on glycosylated hemoglobin and weight, provides a table with rationale for how to interchange among agents, and summarizes the key factors that guide drug selection beyond guidance from the American Diabetes Association. To support proposed dose interchanges, we preferentially selected high-quality, prospective randomized controlled trials with direct comparisons of agents and doses when available.

FINDINGS

Tirzepatide produces the greatest reductions in glycosylated hemoglobin and weight, but its impact on cardiovascular events is still under investigation. Subcutaneous semaglutide and liraglutide are approved for weight loss specifically and are effective in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Although producing less weight loss, only dulaglutide has effectiveness in the primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Semaglutide is the only orally available incretin mimetic; however, the oral formulation produces less weight loss versus its subcutaneous alternative and did not have cardioprotection in its outcomes trial. Although effective in controlling type 2 diabetes, exenatide extended release has the least impact on glycosylated hemoglobin and weight among commonly used agents, while not having cardioprotection. However, exenatide extended release may be preferred on some restrictive insurance formularies.

IMPLICATIONS

Although trials have not explicitly studied how to interchange among agents, interchanges can be guided by comparisons between agents' impact on glycosylated hemoglobin and weight. Efficient changes among agents can help clinicians optimize patient-centered care, particularly in the face of changing patient needs and preferences, insurance formularies, and drug shortages. (Clin Ther. 2023;XX:XXX-XXX) © 2023 Elsevier HS Journals, Inc.