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Exploring inequity in access to medications for Type 2 Diabetes in primary care in the Waikato region: Final report

Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a growing health issue in New Zealand (NZ) that disproportionately affects twice as many Māori as non-Māori and an increasing number of younger people. T2D is associated with a range of microvascular and macrovascular complications, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD), the latter being the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality in this patient group. However, complications are reduced in patients that have improved glycaemic control. To achieve optimal outcomes and reduce the chance of diabetes-related complications, patients should aim to have their glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) measurement less than 53 mmol/mol if possible. Diabetes is primarily managed in primary care, and a number of recent publications suggest that there is considerable inequity in the management of diabetes in New Zealand, particularly for Māori. In an earlier piece of work we have shown that Maori are significantly less likely than non-Maori to be prescribed metformin, but that once prescribed it they are equally likely to have the medication dispensed. This suggests that there may be issues that can be addressed within primary care that are influencing the use of diabetes medications. Thus, the aim of this small piece of work was to characterise diabetes medication use in a Waikato primary care population, and to report on medication adherence and association with HbA1c levels.
Type
Report
Type of thesis
Series
Citation
Date
2021-08-17
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Rights
© The authors, 2021.