Geographic variation in sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist use in people with type 2 diabetes in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract Aim Sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) improve glycaemic control and cardio‐renal outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, geographic and socio‐economic variation in use is not well understood. Methods We identified 367 829 New South Wales residents aged ≥40 years who dispensed metformin in 2020 as a proxy for T2D. We estimated the prevalence of use of other glucose‐lowering medicines among people with T2D and the prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP‐1RA use among people using concomitant T2D therapy (i.e. metformin + another glucose‐lowering medicine). We measured the prevalence by small‐level geography, stratified by age group, and characterized by remoteness and socio‐economic status. Results The prevalence of SGLT2i (29.7%) and GLP‐1RA (8.3%) use in people with T2D aged 40‐64 increased with geographic remoteness and in areas of greater socio‐economic disadvantage, similar to other glucose‐lowering medicines. The prevalence of SGLT2i (55.4%) and GLP‐1RA (15.4%) among people using concomitant T2D therapy varied across geographic areas, with lower SGLT2i use in more disadvantaged areas and localized areas of high GLP‐1RA use (2.5 times the median). Compared with people aged 40‐64 years, the prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP‐1RA use was lower in older age groups, but with similar patterns of variation across geographic areas. Conclusions The prevalence of SGLT2i and GLP‐1RA use varied by geography, probably reflecting a combination of system‐ and prescriber‐level factors. Socio‐economic variation in GLP‐1RA use was overshadowed by localized patterns of prescribing. Continued monitoring of variation can help shape interventions to optimize use among people who would benefit the most.