loading page

Trends in polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in older and middle-aged people treated for diabetes
  • +4
  • Monika Oktora,
  • Sofa Alfian,
  • Jens Bos,
  • Catharina Schuiling-Veninga,
  • Katja Taxis,
  • Eelko Hak,
  • Petra Denig
Monika Oktora
University Medical Centre Groningen

Corresponding Author:m.p.oktora@umcg.nl

Author Profile
Sofa Alfian
University of Groningen
Author Profile
Jens Bos
University of Groningen
Author Profile
Catharina Schuiling-Veninga
University of Groningen
Author Profile
Katja Taxis
University of Groningen
Author Profile
Eelko Hak
University of Groningen
Author Profile
Petra Denig
University Medical Centre Groningen
Author Profile

Abstract

Objective Polypharmacy is common in people with diabetes and associated with the use of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM). This study aimed to assess trends in prevalence of polypharmacy and PIM in older and middle-aged people with diabetes. Methods A repeated cross-sectional study using the University Groningen IADB.nl prescription database was conducted. All people ≥45 years treated for diabetes registered in the period 2012-2016 were included. PIMs were assessed using Beers criteria for people ≥65 years old, and PRescribing Optimally in Middle-aged People’s Treatments (PROMPT) criteria for 45-64 years old. Chi-square tests and regression analysis were applied. Results The prevalence of polypharmacy increased from 56.5% to 58.2% during the study period. In 2016, the prevalence of polypharmacy was 36.9% in the group of 45-54 years old, 50.3% in 55-64 years old, and 66.2% in ≥65 years old. All age-groups showed significant increases. The prevalence of older people with at least one PIM decreased around 3%, while in the middle-aged group this prevalence increased around 1% with a highest level in 2015. The most common PIMs in both age groups were the use of long-term high-dose proton-pump-inhibitors, benzodiazepines, and strong opioids without laxatives. Of those, only benzodiazepines showed a decreasing trend. Conclusions Polypharmacy increased in older and middle-aged people with diabetes. While the prevalence of PIM decreased over time in older age, this trend was not observed in middle-aged people with diabetes. Efforts are needed to decrease the use of PIMs in populations already burdened with many drugs, notably at middle age
13 Aug 2020Submitted to British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
14 Aug 2020Submission Checks Completed
14 Aug 2020Assigned to Editor
22 Aug 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
12 Sep 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
21 Sep 2020Editorial Decision: Revise Major
05 Nov 20201st Revision Received
06 Nov 2020Submission Checks Completed
06 Nov 2020Assigned to Editor
06 Nov 2020Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
06 Nov 2020Reviewer(s) Assigned
21 Nov 2020Editorial Decision: Accept
Jul 2021Published in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology volume 87 issue 7 on pages 2807-2817. 10.1111/bcp.14685