Evaluating the appropriateness and the factors associated with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors prescribing in a Middle Eastern country: a cross-sectional study

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are a novel class of oral antidiabetic drugs (ADDs). Studies evaluating the appropriateness of SGLT2is prescribing, and the factors associated with their initiation in the Middle East region are lacking.

This study aimed to evaluate the appropriateness of prescribing SGLT2is based on indication, dosing, and contraindication and determine the factors associated with their initial prescribing.

In this cross-sectional study, a cohort of 650 patients newly prescribed SGLT2is (n = 400) and/or any other oral ADDs (n = 250) during 2020 were included. Data were extracted from an electronic medical record system. Multivariate logistic regression was conducted to investigate factors associated with prescribing SGLT2is.

SGLT2is were prescribed for appropriate indication in 400 patients (100%), while inappropriately prescribed in relation to contraindication and dosing in 14 patients (3.5%). Male patients were more likely to be prescribed SGLT2is (odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–2.82). Patients with a baseline glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) above 7% and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) were more likely to be prescribed SGLT2is (OR, 3.22; 95% CI, 1.84–5.64) and (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.05–4.52), respectively. Patients receiving metformin (OR, 7.56; 95% CI, 4.46–12.80), sulfonylureas (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.16–4.56), and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (OR, 3.43; 95% CI, 2.00–5.87) were more likely to be prescribed SGLT2is.

SGLT2is were found to be typically prescribed for the appropriate indication. Among the most important factors associated with prescribing SGLT2is are having uncontrolled HbA1c, history of ASCVD, and using other ADDs.