Vol. 8, Issue 6 (2019)

Methods: A prospective cross sectional observational study was carried out in the outpatient of General Medicine department of Shadan Institute of Medical Sciences. The prescription of the diabetic patients visiting the outpatient was monitored. From the date collected the prescription pattern of anti-diabetic drugs, and WHO prescription indicators were analysed.

Results: Among a total of 220 participants diagnosed with Type-ll diabetes mellitus 118(53.64%) were females and 102 (46.36%) were males. It was observed to be the highest 132 (60%) in the age group 40-59years followed by 66 (30%) in the age group 60-70years and above and 22 (10%) in less than 40years age group. Of the 220 participants 77(35%) had a strong family history of diabetes. It was observed that 79(36%) of participants were literates and 141(64%) were illiterates. Among the anti diabetic drugs prescribed Metformin was most frequently prescribed (54.16%). Metformin and glibenclamide were frequently used for dual therapy. The WHO prescribing indicators as analysed from the data collected are- Average number of drugs prescribed per encounter was 5.84/prescription. Percentage of medicines prescribed by generic name was 87.35%. Percentage of medicines prescribed from essential drug list was 91.24%.

Conclusion: This study provides an overview of the anti-diabetic drug usage pattern in a tertiary care hospital. The study emphasises the need for preventive measures and effective educative measures in the population about diabetes. Medication should be prescribed taking into consideration the economic aspects; such a small negligence leads to poor patient compliance. Polypharmacy must be practised carefully taking into consideration the chances of drug interactions and adverse drugs reactions.