Antidiabetic drug use trends in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease: A cross‐sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Abstract Background There is little information on medication use, trends across time, and the impact of guidelines on appropriate use of antidiabetic drugs in participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods A cross‐sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005‐2016 was carried out for participants with T2DM with and without CKD. Multivariate survey‐weighted regression models were used to evaluate trends in antidiabetic drug use across the time periods and CKD severity. Guideline‐discordant use of metformin and glyburide were assessed among those with glomerular filtration rate and serum creatinine‐based contraindications. Results Out of 3237 study participants with T2DM, 35.9% had CKD. Comparing 2013‐2016 with 2005‐2008, use of metformin (non‐CKD: 69% vs 83.8%, CKD: 58.6% vs 68.2%) increased, whereas the use of sulfonylureas (non‐CKD: 46.3% vs 27.2%, CKD: 54.7% vs 36.6%) and thiazolidinediones (non‐CKD: 29.3% vs 3.9%, CKD: 24.6% vs 5.5%) decreased. In combined NHANES cycles and across stages of CKD severity, metformin use decreased (non‐CKD, stage 1/2, stage 3, stage 4/5: 78.4%, 69.5%, 54.6%, 4.9%, respectively; P < .01), and insulin use increased (18.5%, 26.8%, 25%, 52.8%, respectively; P < .01) from non‐CKD to progressed CKD. Guideline‐discordant use of metformin and glyburide was observed in 8.3% and 2.8% of the participants, respectively, in 2013‐2016. Conclusions Use of particular antidiabetic medications in patients with CKD changed noticeably over the years, most in accordance with guidelines and regulatory decisions. Gaps in quality of care still exist, which warrants increasing awareness and implementing programs to mitigate inappropriate use.