Treatment persistence, adherence and healthcare resource utilisation for iGlarLixi versus basal–bolus insulin or premixed insulin in older adult ethnic minorities with type 2 diabetes: SoliEthnicity study

Abstract

Aims

Most type 2 diabetes (T2D) studies have predominantly enrolled White people aged <65 years. This retrospective study evaluated outcomes for iGlarLixi (fixed‐ratio combination [FRC] of insulin glargine 100 U/mL and lixisenatide) versus basal–bolus or premixed insulin in African American, Asian and Hispanic adults with T2D aged ≥65 years.

Methods

Medicare claims data were assessed from beneficiaries receiving basal insulin who newly initiated iGlarLixi, basal–bolus insulin, or premixed insulin between 7/1/2019 and 12/30/2021. Groups were propensity score matched at baseline and followed for up to 12 months. Endpoints (primary: treatment persistence; secondary: treatment adherence, hypoglycaemia event rates, healthcare resource utilisation) were assessed using multivariable regression.

Results

Treatment persistence was higher for iGlarLixi versus basal–bolus or premixed insulin in the overall population (26.9%, 7.6%, 18.9%; adjusted p < 0.0001) and numerically higher in all ethnic subgroups. Treatment adherence was numerically higher for iGlarLixi versus basal–bolus or premixed insulin in the overall population (28.0%, 8.0%, 19.0%) and in all subgroups. Hypoglycaemia event rates were numerically lower for iGlarLixi versus basal–bolus insulin or premixed insulin in the overall population (2.5, 3.8, 7.5/100 person‐years' follow‐up) and in all subgroups except Asians receiving basal–bolus insulin. All‐cause and diabetes‐related hospitalisation and emergency department visit event rates were lower with iGlarLixi versus basal–bolus insulin or premixed insulin in the overall population, and in all subgroups except for hospitalisations in Hispanics.

Conclusion

FRC therapies such as iGlarLixi represent an appropriate treatment option when intensifying basal insulin therapy in ethnic minority older adults with T2D.