Universal drug coverage and income‐related disparities in glycaemic control

Aims To examine whether income‐related disparities in glycaemic control decline after the age of 65 years, when publicly funded universal drug insurance is acquired in Ontario, Canada. Methods We conducted a population‐based cross‐sectional study using linked administrative healthcare databases. Adults with diabetes, aged 40–89 years, with available HbA1c data were included (N = 716 297). Income was based on median neighbourhood household income. Multiple linear regression was used to test for effect modification of age ≥65 years on the relationship between income and HbA1c. Results There was a significant inverse association between income and HbA1c level. After adjusting for baseline factors, the effect of income on HbA1c level was significantly greater for individuals aged