Publication:

A study of prescribing pattern in type-1 and type-2 diabetes in a tertiary care centre

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.