Changing trends in type 2 diabetes mellitus treatment intensification, 2002-2010

Glycemic control can lower the risk of diabetes-related complications, and delayed treatment intensification can impede optimal diabetes care. This study examines trends in hyperglycemia treatment intensification between 2002 and 2010.

Retrospective secondary data analysis of a large national administrative data set of privately insured individuals across the United States.

Adults 18 years or older with diabetes, initiated on metformin monotherapy between 2002 and 2007, were studied, stratified by date of first metformin prescription (2002-2003, 2004-2005, 2006-2007). Time to treatment intensification between 2002 and 2010, defined by the addition of ≥1 agents to metformin, was estimated using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.

There were 75,069 treatment-naïve adults with diabetes first initiated on metformin between 2002 and 2007; mean age was 60 years (SD = 11.5), 49.7% were women, and 63.1% were non-Hispanic white. Diabetes therapy was intensified in 26,169 individuals (34.6%).Treatment intensification became increasingly more likely with time for the 2004-2005 cohort (hazard ratio [HR], 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10) and for the 2006-2007 cohort (HR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07-1.14) compared with the 2002-2003 cohort (P < .001), after adjustment for significant confounders including sex, income level, education level, and comorbidity burden. Sulfonylureas were the most commonly used agents, though their use declined over time; thiazolidinedione use decreased; and incretin use increased (all P < .001).

There was a significant increase in diabetes treatment intensification between 2002 and 2010. Choice of secondline agents changed as well, with decreasing prevalence of thiazolidinedione and sulfonylurea use and rising prevalence of incretin use.