UC Irvine Researchers Highlight Positive Trends in Anti-Diabetic Medication Use

Researchers from the University of California, Irvine, led by Dr. Luohua Jiang, have uncovered significant progress in reducing severe diabetes-related complications among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adults with Type 2 diabetes.

Their study found a reduction in severe complications, such as hypoglycemia, leading to fewer emergency room visits and hospitalizations. These positive trends are attributed to the increased use of safer anti-diabetic medications, like metformin and DPP-4 inhibitors, and reduced reliance on older drugs associated with adverse events.

The research highlights the adoption of personalized care approaches, including individualized blood sugar targets, team-based care, and enhanced education for both healthcare providers and patients. By analyzing data from nearly 40,000 AI/AN adults who accessed Indian Health Service (IHS) or Tribal health services between 2009 and 2013, the study revealed significant progress in prescribing practices and management of acute diabetes complications.

Published in Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism, the study was a collaboration between UC Irvine, the Colorado School of Public Health, and the IHS Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention. Dr. Jiang noted the importance of these trends, emphasizing that they reflect a growing focus on tailored care and the use of newer, safer therapeutic options in an underserved population disproportionately affected by diabetes.

The findings have broad implications for improving diabetes care in underserved communities and underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance and targeted interventions. This research was funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies, including the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

The study not only highlights progress in reducing diabetes complications but also demonstrates how focused healthcare strategies can address disparities in vulnerable populations. It provides a model for leveraging safer medications and individualized care to improve outcomes in communities with a high burden of chronic disease.

(Newswise/DN)