Publication:

Polypharmacy and cost analysis in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes mellitus with associated comorbidities

Background Diabetes mellitus is a common health problem worldwide, associated with several co-morbidities. It requires longer therapy, and is crippling in terms of cost management. The objective of this study was to evaluate co-morbidities in patients suffering from type 2 diabetes and concomitant medications used along with antidiabetic drugs, also analyzing individually cost of drug therapy.

Methods It is an observational, cross sectional study. The study was conducted at outpatient department, Medicine at a tertiary care hospital. Prescriptions of patients attending the clinic, suffering from type 2 diabetes were analyzed for antidiabetic drugs and other concomitant medications for associated co-morbidities. Their age, sex, number of medications and their costs were noted.

Results Out of 60 patients evaluated, 36 (60%) were males and 24 (40%) were females. Hypertension in 54 (90%) of the patients and hyperlipidaemia in 23 (38.33%) are the important comorbidities. Metformin was most commonly prescribed antidiabetic drug in this study in 41 (68%), followed by glimepiride 18 (30%), tenegliptin 10 (16.67%), voglibose in 6 (10%) and others. Mean cost of drug therapy to a person was INR 1408.8 per month and INR 16905.6 per annum.

Conclusions Hypertension 54 (90%) and hyperlipidaemia 23 (38.33%) were the most common associated comorbidities. Metformin and glimepiride were the most common antidiabetic drugs used. Antihypertensive and hypolipidemics were commonly prescribed concomitant medications. Mean cost of drug therapy per person was INR 1408.8 per month and INR 16905.6 per annum.