Race, socioeconomic status associated with lower SGLT2 inhibitor use

If you are wondering what health care disparities might look like in medication use for chronic diseases, a new study published JAMA Network Open can serve as just one example. Among patients with diabetes the United States, researchers found that lower rates of SGLT2 inhibitor use, substantial cardioprotective and kidney protective benefits, is associated Black race, Asian female gender, household income. “If left unaddressed, these inequities [use] will continue to widen well-documented cardiovascular outcomes U.S.,” said lead author Lauren Eberly, MD, MPH, cardiology fellow at University Pennsylvania. “Out pocket costs medications unaffordable many patients. We hope pharmacists other clinicians collaborate advocate more affordable pharmaceutical drug pricing, this certainly driver inequity,” added Eberly. Racial death from conditions magnified rural areasHave we made any progress improving racial since early 2000s? Researchers Harvard Medical School, who their findings Journal American College Cardiology March 2021, wanted find out.A large body evidence has shown Americans experience worse than White Americans. The research team discovered hypertension- diabetes-related two three times higher among adults parts States.They overall, have diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, stroke areas States.“What’s really concerning our finding striking not meaningfully improved over last 2 decades,” Rishi K. Wadhera, MD.Because communities face barriers accessing services, evaluate whether compared urban areas. According due persist several reasons.“Black disproportionately structural systemic inequities, which burden comorbid outcomes,” she said.Examples include poverty, living disadvantaged pharmacy deserts less access healthy foods, well services such primary preventtive care. Rural areas, particular, experienced decline specialist physicians along an increase hospital closures.“These may result levels awareness, treatment, control hypertension diabetes,” Wadhera. Have out. A States. They “What’s MD. Because reasons. “Black said. Examples closures. “These findings, race was independently though disproportionate disease “We know racism pervasive there decreased utilization novel therapeutics marginalized patient groups, especially patients,” In study, examined data October 2015 June 2019 900,000 diverse, commercially insured type diabetes. Eberly noted cohort 100% commercial insurance bias, however. “Although be generalizable payer observed differences even greater those traditional Medicare or Medicaid without insurance,” Use claims–based database also limited researchers’ ability differentiate between prescriptions offered filled. results consistent prior studies, however, groups. further supports need combat system better understand prescribing inhibitors. “Strategies comfort all providers therapy essential address inequitable …