Initial and subsequent therapy for newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients treated in primary care using data from a vendor‐based electronic health record

Diabetes is a leading cause of death and disability, and its prevalence is increasing. When diet fails, patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are prescribed oral hypoglycemics for glycemic control. Few studies have explored initial use or change from initial oral hypoglycemic therapy in the primary care setting. We aimed to describe the utilization of initial oral hypoglycemics among newly diagnosed patients with diabetes from 1998–2009 and changes from initial to subsequent therapy among patients prescribed older oral hypoglycemic agents using electronic health records.