Other names
This indicator shows the number and percent of people with diabetes receiving metformin regularly. Regular use was defined as metformin dispensed in three or more quarters in a year.
Analysing variation in metformin usage can offer insights into several aspects of diabetes management, including health care access and quality, provider practice, patient preferences, health literacy, adherence and tolerability. This information is valuable for designing targeted interventions to improve diabetes care and reduce disparities in health care delivery.
People with diabetes dispensed metformin in three or four quarters in the relevant year
Numerator exclusions
Placeholder
Count of distinct master NHIs identified as having diabetes as per the VDR.
Disaggregation
For single map analysis: By year (2018‒22), age group (0‒14 years, 15‒24 years, 25‒44 years, 45‒64 years, 65‒74 years and 75+ years), gender (female and male), ethnic group (Māori, Pacific peoples, Indian and European/other) and Health New Zealand district of domicile.
For PHO analysis: By year (2022), age group (0‒14 years, 15‒24 years, 25‒44 years, 45‒64 years, 65‒74 years and 75+ years), gender (female and male), ethnic group (Māori, Pacific peoples, Indian and European/other), PHO most recently enrolled with (for the relevant year), PHO group (small, medium, medium‒large and large).
Metformin is also used to treat polycystic ovary syndrome in women aged 12‒45 years. The VDR attempts to partially address this issue by excluding women aged 12–45 years who are solely identified as a result of metformin use – that is, no other methods identify them as having diabetes.