Prescribing patterns of adjunctive therapy for the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus among Australian endocrinologists

Background Many people living with type 1 diabetes (type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM)) do not meet glycaemic targets. Adjunctive therapies have both risks and metabolic benefits and may have a role in selected patients. Aim To review the prescribing patterns of adjunctive therapy for the treatment of T1DM diabetes in Australia. Methods We conducted an online survey of Australian endocrinologists and endocrinology registrars. We surveyed the frequency of, motivations and concerns regarding the prescription of metformin, dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP‐IV) inhibitors, sodium‐glucose transport protein 2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors and glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP1RA) in T1DM. Results Fifty‐two practitioners participated. Most respondents (94%) had prescribed adjuncts for the treatment of T1DM in some form. Weight (89%), large insulin doses (73%), glycaemic variability (52%), high HbA1c (48%) and the presence of cardiovascular disease (48%) were the most common factors determining the use of adjuncts. The most commonly prescribed adjuncts were metformin (94%) and SGLT‐2 inhibitors (65%). Respondents who had never prescribed an SGLT‐2 inhibitor (n = 18) reported risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) (100%), off‐label status (39%), lack of evidence (39%), withdrawal of support from the European Medicines Agency (17%) and cost (17%) as factors contributing to their decision. Thirty‐one respondents (60%) had prescribed a GLP1RA. Among those who had never prescribed a GLP1RA (n = 21), off‐label status (57%), lack of evidence (48%), cost (38%) and expected lack of efficacy (14%) were factors affecting their decision. Only five respondents (10%) had prescribed a DPP‐IV inhibitor. Conclusion Australian endocrinologists commonly prescribe adjuncts to address cardiometabolic concerns in T1DM. DKA risk and off‐label status are significant factors contributing to reluctance to prescribe.