A single center observational drug utilization study of oral antidiabetic agents in type 2 diabetic patients

Diabetes mellitus is a major healthcare problem in India. Oral anti diabetic agents are the most commonly prescribed drugs for type 2 diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the recent pattern of drug utilization of anti-diabetic drugs in diabetic patients and observe adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with anti-diabetic therapy. Methods: A prospective study was carried out in diabetic patients visiting the Diabetic OPD and those fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in study.  Demographic data, drug utilization pattern and ADEs due to Anti-diabetic drugs were summarized. Results: In the present study, 110 (58.25%) were males and 96 (46.60%) were females. Majority of patients, Metformin was the most commonly prescribed drug. 71.1 % of patients were prescribed with triple therapy. Co-morbid condition was found in 91 patients where hypertension (18.44%) being the most common co-morbid condition. 81 ADRs were observed with GIT upset being the most common ADR reported. Conclusions: The present study helps to find out recent prescribing pattern of oral diabetic medications with different co-morbidities. Therefore,   understanding of the existing prescribing patterns, trends of antidiabetic drugs their beneficial effect and mechanism can help to overcome progression of disease