Utilization of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) in patients diagnosed with diabetes: Analysis from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey

• Assessed ACEI/ARB prescriptions in diabetic patients for ADA guideline adherence
• A low percentage of patients prescribed an ACEI/ARB (28.1% in 2007–32.2% in 2010)
• Females, age 18–39, and Medicare users less likely to receive ACEI/ARB prescription
• Hypertension, hyperlipidemia and IHD: more likely to receive ACEI/ARB prescription
• Disparities in ACEI/ARB prescriptions remain evident

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to determine if a difference exists in the proportion of visits for the prescribing of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) in diabetic patients during 2007–2010.MethodsThis retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study included adults diagnosed with diabetes mellitus from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) during 2007–2010. Weighted chi-square tests and a multivariable logistic regression model were used to analyze associations between ACEI/ARB prescriptions and predictors of interest. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported.ResultsAn unweighted total of 13,590 outpatient ambulatory care visits were identified for adult patients with diabetes without contraindications to ACEIs or ARBs in the NAMCS for the years studied. No statistically significant increase in the proportion of visits with an ACEI/ARB prescription was identified for years 2007–2010 (28.1% in 2007 to 32.2% in 2010). Females (OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.69- 0.89), patients 18–39 years old (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.43- 0.75), and Medicare users (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70- 0.94) were significantly less likely to receive an ACEI/ARB prescription. Patients with hypertension (OR 2.80, 95% CI 2.39-3.29), hyperlipidemia (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22-1.65), and ischemic heart disease (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.10-1.70) were significantly more likely to receive an ACEI/ARB prescription.ConclusionsDespite extensive evidence showing the benefits of ACEI/ARB medications in diabetic patients, disparities of treatment remain evident.