SGLT2 inhibitor use and disparities in all-cause mortality in type 2 diabetes: insights from a multi-ethnic population

Abstract Aims/hypothesis Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are known to reduce cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in people with type 2 diabetes, but there are limited data regarding mortality outcomes in different ethnic groups (including Indigenous peoples). This study reports on mortality outcomes in a population in Aotearoa New Zealand (hereafter New Zealand) with type 2 diabetes, following the funded availability of the SGLT2i empagliflozin with prioritised access for Māori and Pacific people. Methods Data were collected from primary care records for those aged 18–75 years with type 2 diabetes (Auckland/Waikato regions of New Zealand; February 2021 to December 2023; n =59,505). These data were linked to national medication-dispensing and mortality records for 2021–2024 via national health identifier numbers. Following propensity matching and Cox modelling for ethnicity, age, gender, medication use, baseline HbA 1c and cardiovascular and/or renal disease/risk (CVRD) status (yes/no), mortality rates were compared by ethnicity in those with and without CVRD and who did/did not initiate empagliflozin. This study was reported in accordance with the CONSIDER statement, used to strengthen the reporting of research involving Indigenous peoples. The study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand. Results Following matching, two groups of 12,792 individuals were identified. Annualised crude mortality (deaths per 1000 individuals per year) was higher in those not dispensed with SGLT2i than in those receiving SGLT2i (35.2 vs 13.1 in those with CVRD and 7.7 vs 3.6 in those without CVRD, respectively). After adjustment, the greatest difference in mortality with SGLT2i use was seen in Māori (HR 0.475; 95% CI 0.336, 0.672; p <0.001), followed by Pacific people (HR 0.507; 95% CI 0.395, 0.651; p <0.001) and European people (HR 0.667; 95% CI 0.545, 0.816; p <0.001). Conclusions/interpretation The protective effect of SGLT2i use on mortality appears to differ by ethnicity and is greater in Indigenous Māori and Pacific populations in New Zealand with type 2 diabetes. SGLT2i use in Indigenous and minority populations may support improved health equity. Graphical Abstract