Prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP1RA use among US adults with type 2 diabetes

Aims: To determine national prevalence of sodium-glucose contransporter-2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) use among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods: We studied adults with T2DM and eGFR ≥ 30 mL/min/1.73 m² who participated in the cross-sectional National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), focusing on the 2017-2020 examination cycle, a key time period prior to widespread dissemination of pivotal trial results and corresponding clinical practice guidelines. We tested prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP1RA use among subgroups based on demographic variables and relevant comorbidities, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), congestive heart failure (CHF), and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). We compared use of SGLT2i and GLP1RA to other glucose-lowering medications and assessed trends from prior NHANES cycles.

Results: Among 1375 participants studied in 2017-2020, mean age was 60 years, 46% were women, 13% self-identified as non-Hispanic Black, 10% self-identified as Mexican American, 37% had CKD, 8.5% had CHF, and 23% had ASCVD. The prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP1RA use was 5.8% and 4.4%, respectively. Among adults with CKD, CHF, or ASCVD, SGLT2i were used by 7.7% and GLP1RA were used by 3.5%. Differences in SGLT2i or GLP1RA use were observed by age, race, ethnicity, health insurance status, body mass index, and by whether a single healthcare provider was identified as responsible for diabetes management. Biguanides, sulfonylureas, DPP-4 inhibitors, and insulin were used more frequently than SGLT2i or GLP1RA. Prevalence of SGLT2i but not GLP1RA use increased significantly from 2013-2014 to 2017-2020.

Conclusions: SGLT2i and GLP1RA use is low among adults with T2DM, including among those with strong indications. Enhanced implementation of these agents is crucial to improving kidney and cardiovascular outcomes and mitigating health disparities in T2DM.