Category: Federal Forum Posters
Purpose: In the Veteran population, the prevalence of diabetes is significantly higher than in the general population (25% vs. 9.4%). Untreated diabetes is associated with many complications. While metformin is the gold standard, patients often need additional medications to reach their glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) goal. Previous studies have shown that sodium glucose co-transporter inhibitors (SGLT-2) have favorable effects on weight loss and blood pressure while also reducing HbA1c by roughly 0.7-1%. This study will evaluate the effect of empagliflozin in reducing HbA1c levels and additionally, will assess adverse effects, weight loss, and blood pressure reduction.
Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis will be conducted through electronic chart review in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus who were prescribed empagliflozin for a minimum of 3 months. Patients will be excluded from this study if they received the medication from a provider outside of the PVAMC or if their medical records lack a baseline HbA1c and at least one follow-up HbA1c following treatment initiation. The primary outcome is the percent reduction in HbA1c, which will be analyzed at baseline and 6 months post-treatment. A paired t-test will be performed to statistically analyze the primary outcome. It is estimated that a sample size of 132 patients will result in 80% power and a significance level of α = 0.05. Secondary outcomes will include lowering of blood pressure, decrease in body weight, incidence of adverse effects (i.e. urinary tract infection, serum creatinine increase, and hypotension), and reasons for discontinuation. These secondary outcomes will be reported using descriptive statistics including percent, mean, and median.
Results: Not applicable
Conclusion: Not applicable
Kenzi Lopes-Pimental
– PGY1 Pharmacy Practice Resident, Providence Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Fairhaven, MA129 Views