Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: Nearly 25% of veterans within the VA system have been diagnosed with diabetes. Despite being the standard of care for progressed diabetes, some studies have found the use of insulin to have a dose-dependent risk of all-cause mortality and increased cardiac events. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of GLP-1 agonists in a veteran population, when used in combination with subcutaneous insulin, to decrease total daily insulin doses, hemoglobin A1c, and body weight. Safety and tolerability will be assessed by patient reports of nausea and vomiting, incidences of hypoglycemia, and diagnoses of pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.
Methods: This study will be conducted as a retrospective chart review of patients initiated on GLP-1 agonists in addition to insulin therapy for diabetes control within the Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System from May 2016 through September 2018. Pharmacy IT staff will perform a search of local medical record databases based on inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify a list of eligible subjects. Using key word searches and chart review of the medical record database, safety and effectivness of GLP-1 agonists will be assessed at the time of initiation and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-initiation. Effectiveness will be evaluated by decreases in total daily insulin dose, patient A1c, and patient body weight. Safety will be assessed based on patient reports of nausea and vomiting, occurrences of hypoglycemia, and diagnoses of pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.
Results: not applicable
Conclusion: not applicable
Rena Crawford
– PGY1 Pharmacy Resident, Southern Arizona VA Healthcare System, Hillsborough, NC156 Views