Glucagon Prescribing and Costs Among U.S. Adults With Diabetes, 2011–2021
Authors' conclusion
Glucagon fill rates are concerningly low and declined between 2011 and 2021 but increased in appropriate subgroups with type 1 diabetes, using short-acting insulin, or with a history of severe hypoglycemia. Fill rates were disproportionately low among minority patients and individuals with low income.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with diabetes in OptumLabs Data Warehouse, 1 January 2011–31 March 2021; mean age 62.8 (SD 13.2) years
- Participants
- 2,814,464 adults
- Outcome
- Glucagon fill rates per 1,000 person-years and patient out-of-pocket and health plan costs per filled glucagon dose
Methodological detailsnationwide, OptumLabs Data Warehouse
- Nationwide
- OptumLabs Data Warehouse
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Overall glucagon fill rate decreased from 2.91 to 2.28 per 1,000 person-years
−22%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Glucagon fill rates in groups at high risk for severe hypoglycemia · over the study period
- T1D: increased from 22.46 to 36.76 per 1,000 person-years
- 64%
- Short-acting insulin: increased from 11.64 to 16.63 per 1,000 person-years
- 43%
- History of severe hypoglycemia: increased from 16.08 to 20.12 per 1,000 person-years
- 25%
Glucagon fill rates by demographic characteristics
- Higher fill rates in White vs minority patients, women vs males, high vs low income, and commercially insured vs Medicare Advantage patients
Total cost per dosing unit · over the study period
- Commercial insurance: increased from $157.97 to $275.32
- 74%
- Medicare Advantage: increased from $150.37 to $293.57
- 95%
Original publication
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →