Disparities in SGLT2 Inhibitor or Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonist Initiation Among Medicare-Insured Adults With CKD in the United States.

Rationale & Objective: Information regarding disparities in initiating sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is limited. We examined sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the initiation of SGLT2i, GLP-1RA, or second-generation sulfonylureas in a Medicare Fee-For-Service patient population with CKD and type 2 diabetes.

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting & Participants: The 20% random sample of Medicare Fee-For-Service claims, 2012-2018.

Exposures: Patients' sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Outcomes: Use of SGLT2i, GLP-1RA, or sulfonylureas.

Analytical Approach: Patients with a newly initiated prescription of SGLT2i, GLP-1RA, or second-generation sulfonylureas from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2018, were identified. Multinomial logistic regression model was used to evaluate demographic and clinical factors associated with the initiation of SGLT2i, GLP-1RA, or second-generation sulfonylureas.

Results: The study cohort comprised 53,029 adults (aged greater than or equal to 18 years) with CKD and type 2 diabetes, of whom 10.0%, 17.4%, and 72.6% had a first prescription for SGLT2i, GLP-1RA, and sulfonylurea, respectively. Patients aged greater than or equal to 75 years versus those aged 65-74 years had lower odds to start SGLT2i or GLP-1RA compared with sulfonylureas. Black patients were associated with lower odds of initiation of SGLT2i (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.61-0.74) and GLP-1RA (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.68-0.79), compared with White patients. Hispanic and Asian patients had lower odds of initiation of GLP-1RA. Patients with cardiovascular disease or hyperlipidemia had higher odds to start SGLT2i or GLP-1RA.

Limitations: CKD and type 2 diabetes diagnosis; CKD stage; and patient clinical status were identified with diagnosis or procedure codes. There is potential for residual confounding with the use of retrospective data.

Conclusions: The results of this study identified disparities in the use of SGLT2i and GLP-1RA in patients with CKD. Black and older patients were significantly less likely to be initiated on SGLT2i or GLP-1RA than on second-generation sulfonylureas.