Limitations of Diabetes Medications
Author Information
Author(s): Charles D. MacLean, Benjamin Littenberg, Amanda G. Kennedy
Primary Institution: University of Vermont College of Medicine
Hypothesis
What are the glycemic medication profiles and their effectiveness in adult patients with diabetes in primary care?
Conclusion
Most diabetes patients in primary care are on two or fewer medications, but more medications are linked to worse glycemic control.
Supporting Evidence
- 60% of subjects had excellent glycemic control (A1C < 7%).
- 90% of patients were taking 2 or fewer medications for glycemic control.
- 18% of subjects were using insulin.
- 20% of subjects on metformin or TZDs had potential contraindications.
Takeaway
Doctors give diabetes patients different medicines to help control their blood sugar, but having too many can actually make it worse.
Methodology
Subjects were interviewed at home, and their medication data were collected through direct observation.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported comorbid conditions and lack of data on prescribing intent.
Limitations
The study did not include patients whose primary care was from endocrinologists, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Median age 63 years, 54% female, 95% white, 59% earning less than $30,000 per year.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
0.42, 0.56
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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