Incretin Mimetics for Patients Living with Type 2 Diabetes in a Predominantly Hispanic/Latino Population: Analysis of Prescribing Frequency and Predictors of Use

Abstract Purpose Studies indicate incretin mimetic utilization is relatively low, especially among patients of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of incretin mimetic prescribing and identify predictors of prescribing within a predominantly Hispanic/Latino population at a county-funded hospital system. Methods A retrospective chart review of patients living with type 2 diabetes was conducted. The primary endpoint evaluated percentage of patients prescribed an incretin mimetic during August 2023 to August 2024. The secondary endpoint evaluated predictors to prescribing such as prescriber specialty, visit(s) with an ambulatory care clinical pharmacist, insurance status, clinical laboratory values, comorbidities, and medications used for concomitant comorbidities. Results A total of 502 patients were randomly selected for review, of which 42.6% (n = 214) were prescribed an incretin mimetic. Key predictors of prescribing were: sex (OR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.41, 0.92], P = 0.019), obesity (OR = 2.65, 95% CI [1.84, 3.82], P < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.57, 95% CI [1.04, 2.38], P = 0.032), endocrinology clinic visit(s), (OR = 3.91, 95% CI [2.43, 6.27], P < 0.001), and visit(s) with an ambulatory care clinical pharmacist (OR = 1.72, 95% CI [1.06, 2.81], P = 0.030). There was no significant difference in prescribing for Hispanic/Latino vs non-Hispanic/Latino populations within this study. Conclusion Incretin mimetics are historically underutilized among patients of Hispanic/Latino ethnicity despite their evidence-based benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes. Engagement with endocrinology and ambulatory care clinical pharmacy services may contribute to increased prescribing within clinical settings.