Age and gender-based utilization pattern of anti-diabetic drugs in Ajman, UAE

ABSTRACT

Diabetes is a chronic multi-system metabolic disease associated with morbidity and mortality and cost to the society. Pharmacotherapy is an integral part of the management of diabetes. Factors like age, gender, Body Mass Index [BMI] and coexisting illnesses determine the prescription. The objective of the study was to evaluate the drug usage pattern of anti-diabetic drugs in different age groups and gender. A cross sectional epidemiological survey of all prescriptions of patients with diabetes attending the Outpatient department of Internal Medicine of Gulf Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Ajman was conducted for a duration of 3 months. The socio-demographic and drug information was obtained by researchers with the help of a questionnaire. 54.8% patients were males and 45.2% were females. The mean age of patients with diabetes was 54.09 +/- 10.24 years. 128 patients were type 2 diabetes. Metformin combinations were the commonly prescribed anti-diabetic drug. Insulin prescription was noted in 14 patients, the commonest being Human Insulin. Metformin combinations were commonly prescribed in both genders. For patients below 45 years and those between 45-60 years of age metformin combinations were the commonest prescribed, while among patients above 60 years of age sulfonylureas were the most commonly prescribed. The utilization pattern of anti diabetic drugs varied among different age groups and gender. Metformin combination with newer antidiabetic medications were commonly utilized