Trends and disparities in statin use and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels among US patients with diabetes, 1999–2014

Abstract

AimsThe 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Guideline defined patients with diabetes aged 40–75 years as a major statin benefit group. We explored the temporal trends and disparities in statin utilization and LDL-C levels among patients with diabetes aged 40–75 years. MethodsA total of 4860 patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999 to 2014 were included in this study. Differences in statin use and LDL-C levels were explored by patient characteristics. ResultsFrom 1999–2002 to 2011–2014, the prevalence of statin use increased from 26.2% to 49.5% (Ptrend < 0.001). This was accompanied by a continuous decrease in the mean LDL-C level (from 115.8 mg/dL to 103.3 mg/dL, Ptrend < 0.001). The use of guideline-defined high-potency statin medications (atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) remained largely unchanged (from 14.0% to 17.9%, Ptrend = 0.55). Statin utilization increased with age. Women and blacks were 10% and 16% less likely to receive statin treatment compared with men and whites, respectively. In comparison with other statin treatment, use of atorvastatin or rosuvastatin was associated with average LDL-C reduction of 8.0 mg/dL. LDL-C levels were significantly higher among women and black patients. After adjustment for potential confounders, age and Hispanic-white differences in statin use and LDL-C levels were substantially attenuated. ConclusionsDespite a steady increase in statin use during the 16-year study period, statin therapy remains underutilized in certain subgroups of patients. Confounding factors related to healthcare utilization account for some of the disparities in statin use and LDL-C levels.