Glucose-Lowering Treatment Patterns in Patients With Diabetic Kidney Disease
Objectives: Recent trials of glucose-lowering drugs (GLDs) have drawn attention to renal outcomes. Our goal was to understand how patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are treated in general practices in the United States. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study using a national-level claims data set and electronic health records.
Conclusions: Real-world treatment of DKD in the United States is suboptimal. Inappropriate use of some GLD classes, especially in advanced DKD stages, was found along with lower than expected use of modern agents that are considered safe and effective to treat glycemic outcomes. Efforts may be needed to improve understanding of safety, glycemic efficacy, and overall clinical value of GLDs across DKD stages.