Trends in type 2 diabetes medication use and guideline adherence in Belgian primary care (2019–2023)

This study looks at how often certain health problems like heart disease, heart failure, and kidney disease occur in people with type 2 diabetes in Belgium. It also examines how doctors are prescribing medications and following treatment guidelines over the years 2019 to 2023. The study found that more people with type 2 diabetes are getting these health problems, and doctors are prescribing newer medications more often. However, many patients who could benefit from these medications are still not receiving them, suggesting that there is room for improvement in following treatment guidelines.

This study assesses the prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Belgium. It analyzes trends in medication use and adherence to guidelines from 2019 to 2023 using data from the Intego primary care database. The study found an increase in the prevalence of ASCVD, HF, and CKD among T2D patients and a significant rise in the prescription of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists. Despite these increases, only a small percentage of eligible patients received these medications, indicating a need for improved implementation of clinical guidelines in primary care.

The following outcomes were assessed:

1. Prevalence: The prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), heart failure (HF), and chronic kidney disease (CKD) among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Belgium increased slightly from 2019 to 2023.
2. Medication trends: There was a significant rise in the prescription of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists, with their use tripling during the study period.
3. Guideline adherence: Despite the increase in prescriptions, only a small percentage of eligible patients received these medications, indicating a gap in the optimal use of guideline-recommended therapies.