Trends in comorbidity burden and treatment patterns in type 2 diabetes: Longitudinal data from a US cohort from 2006 to 2014

Aims: To gather real-world data on treatment characteristics and comorbidity progression in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes (T2D) and evaluate differences by patient age. Methods: Retrospective analysis of aUS administrative claims database including 16,950 subjectswith newly-diagnosedT2Din 2006and a baseline Diabetes Complications Severity Index (DCSI) score of 0. Patients were categorized by DCSI score at year 8 (0, 1-2, or >= 3) and comparatively analyzed based on demographic variables, drug usage, and diabetes-related comorbidities. Results: Year 8 DCSI score distribution was 0 (29.9%), 1-2 (36.2%), and >= 3 (33.9%). The highest DCSI score subgroup (>= 3) was characterized by a significantly greater percentage of males, older age at T2D diagnosis, and higher Medicare enrollment. DCSI progressed most rapidly in the oldest age group (>= 65). Among all subjects at year 8, insulin use was significantly highestamongsubjectswith DCSI >= 3 comparedwith thosehaving a lowerDCSI. However, for subjects with DCSI >= 3, insulin usewasloweramongthose in the oldest age group (>= 65) relative to younger age groups. Conclusions: These real-world data suggest a relationship between age at T2D diagnosis and disease progression based on comorbidity burden and lower usage of injectable therapies in older patients. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.