Current Utilization Trends of SGLT-2 Inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetics With Heart Failure

Background: Sodium glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) are a recent addition to the armamentarium for treating type 2 diabetes. Over the last couple of years, these agents have been studied in patients with cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure. Results of the EMPA-REG (Empagliflozin Cardiovascular Outcome Event Trial in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients), CANVAS (Canagliflozin Cardiovascular Assessment Study) and DECLARE-TIMI (Dapagliflozin Effect on Cardiovascular Events‐Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) have clearly shown SGLT2 inhibitors to be beneficial for patients with heart failure. FDA has approved Canagliflozin and Dapagliflozin for reduction of risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with Type 2 Diabetes with established Cardiovascular disease. This study was conducted to determine the current utilization trends of SGLT2 inhibitors in Type 2 Diabetics admitted with congestive heart failure exacerbation at Abington Memorial Hospital. Methods: The study was an observational retrospective chart review of 287 patients who were admitted to the telemetry floor with an admitting diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure with a concomitant diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes from 06/01/2019 to 11/30/2019. 186 patients met the inclusion criteria. Results: Mean age of the patient population was 69 years. Mean ejection fraction was 39%. Mean A1C was 7.7. Out of 186 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 2 patients were on SGLT2 inhibitor on admission and were discharged on it. 1 patient was started on a SGLT2 inhibitor during hospitalization and was discharged on it. Out of our patient population, only 1.6% of the patients were discharged on SGLT2 inhibitor. Conclusion: Even after FDA approval of SGLT-2 inhibitors in reducing heart failure hospitalizations in patients with known history of Type 2 diabetes and heart failure, the utilization of these drugs is very minimal. No other drug has been proven to improve mortality in patients of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Based on the results of this study, we propose that initiation of SGLT2 inhibitor should be one of the core measures during discharge of Type 2 Diabetics after a hospitalization with Heart Failure.