Pharmacist Outreach and SGLT2 Inhibitor Uptake in Patients With Diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease
By
Deborah L. Pestka
Daniel Murphy
Adam N. Kaplan
Brent C. Taylor
Pearl Huynh
Jessica A. Rechtzigel
Shari Kjos
Lisa Marie Ellich
Melissa Atwood
Beth A. Polsfuss
Amber R. Thomas
Joseph Y. Lee
Areef Ishani
May 18, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Engagement of Pharmacists and Adoption of SGLT2 Inhibitors Among Diabetic Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with Type 2 Diabetes Key Mechanisms SGLT2 inhibitors lower kidney tubular threshold for glucose excretion, reducing glucose reabsorption and increasing urinary glucose and sodium excretion. Target Population Patients with CKD (eGFR 20 mL/min/1.73 m2 or greater) and Type 2 Diabetes. Care Setting Veterans Affairs health systems.
Key Highlights
SGLT2 inhibitors significantly reduce CKD progression and cardiovascular events. KDIGO and ADA recommend SGLT2 inhibitors for eligible patients. Pharmacists can enhance initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors through proactive outreach. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
CKD defined as eGFR ≥25 and <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Type 2 diabetes confirmed by ICD codes or HbA1c ≥7%. Management
Initiate SGLT2 inhibitors in eligible patients with CKD and Type 2 diabetes. Monitoring & Follow-up
Follow up for medication-related adverse effects 30 days after initiation. Risks
Exclusions include type 1 diabetes, existing SGLT2 inhibitor use, allergies, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatitis. Patient & Prescribing Data
Veterans with CKD and Type 2 diabetes.
Pharmacists can prescribe SGLT2 inhibitors after assessment and patient agreement.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize clinical pharmacists for medication optimization. Implement proactive outreach strategies to identify eligible patients. Related Resources & Content
