A study of prescribing pattern in type-1 and type-2 diabetes in a tertiary care centre
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20261335Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, Type-1 diabetes, Type-2 diabetes, Prescribing patterns, Insulin therapy, Oral antidiabetic drugsAbstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder with rising global prevalence, necessitating evidence-based prescribing to prevent complications. Understanding prescribing patterns provides insights into guideline adherence, drug utilization, and rational therapy. This study aimed to evaluate and compare prescribing patterns among Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes patients in a tertiary care hospital, assess rationality of prescriptions, and analyze combination therapies.
Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted over 18 months (March, 2024 to August, 2025) in a tertiary care hospital. Prescriptions from 506 patients (T1DM = 49, T2DM = 457) were collected and analyzed. Data included demographics, drug class, dose, frequency, regimen, combination therapy medications. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis.
Results: Insulin therapy was prescribed universally in T1DM, predominantly basal-bolus regimens. In T2DM, metformin was the most frequently prescribed (72.92%), followed by sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, and DPP-4 inhibitors. Dual and triple combination therapies were common. The use of generic drugs prefers more over the brands. Polypharmacy was seen in 32.30% of the study population.
Conclusions: Prescribing patterns largely adhered to evidence-based guidelines. Rational use of combination therapies and newer antidiabetic agents was observed. Reinforcing guideline-based prescribing can improve patient outcomes.
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