Unequal Access to Evidence-Based Cardiometabolic Therapies: Racial Disparities in SGLT2 Inhibitor and GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Use Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease

The pharmacologic management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular diseases, including heart failure, has advanced significantly with the introduction of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), therapies that provide substantial cardiovascular and renal benefits. Despite robust evidence supporting their use, access to and utilization of these agents remain unevenly distributed across patient populations. This literature review explores disparities in the prescribing patterns of GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2is, with particular attention to the influence of race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. By integrating findings from recent studies, this review aims to uncover the root causes of these disparities and outline approaches to ensure more equitable delivery of cardiometabolic care.