Sociodemographic Disparities in Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 Inhibitors and Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists Prescription Patterns Among Patients With Poorly Controlled Diabetes

Introduction Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) are novel antihyperglycemic agents that reduce cardiovascular mortality through insulin-independent mechanisms. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated prescription patterns of these drugs and identified inequities in antihyperglycemic utilization. Methods Unique encounters for diabetes care between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, were identified through a systematic query of our healthcare system's database. All patients ≥18 years old with a hemoglobin A1C level of ≥8% were included in the sample. Demographic data, SGLT2I or GLP-1RA prescription status, diabetes-related complications, and mortality were abstracted. Results A total of 2,746 patients were included in the sample. Among these individuals, 670 (24.4%) were prescribed either an SGLT2I or a GLP-1RA (users) and 2,076 (75.6%) were not prescribed either agent (non-users). There were significantly more males than females in the cohort, but there was no significant difference in the sex distribution between users and non-users. Compared to non-users, users were younger (mean age of 65.1 ± 9.4 years versus 66.4 ± 9.9 years, p-value = 0.005), more likely to be non-Hispanic (86.3% versus 13.7%), more likely to live in a middle-income zip code, and have private insurance. The mortality rate was lower among users when compared to non-users, but the difference did not reach statistical significance (2.7% versus 5.5%, p-value = 0.62). SGLT2I use was associated with a 60% lower risk of mortality. Conclusion Ethnicity, median household income, and insurance type influence the likelihood of being prescribed an SGLT2I or a GLP-1RA. Individuals prescribed either agent appear to have better mortality outcomes than those prescribed other medications. Further investigation may reveal underlying causes and potential solutions for disparities in prescription patterns.