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 – published online 08/11/2024

Eric Wang, Elisabetta Patorno, Farzin Khosrow‑Khavar, Stephen Crystal, Chintan V. Dave

Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonists (GLP-1RAs) are indicated for people with diabetes and cardiorenal complications; however, despite clinical guidelines recommending these therapies, uptake has been slow. In this issue, Wang et al (https://doi.org/10.1007/s00125-024-06321-2) highlight disparities in the adoption of these optimal second-line therapies among older Medicare beneficiaries with type 2 diabetes and comorbid cardiorenal conditions. Despite the demonstrated benefits of SGLT2is and GLP-1RAs for managing these conditions, Black participants were less likely to receive these therapies than other racial or ethnic groups. The authors examined trends over time and noted that, although disparities persisted throughout the study period examined, there was an encouraging improvement in the uptake of these therapies across racial and ethnic groups. The authors conclude that there is a need for continued efforts to address inequities in access to advanced diabetes treatments.