Prescription Pattern And Treatment Target In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Attending A Tertiary Health Center In Lagos

Background: The prevalence of diabetes is on the increase worldwide. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is characterized by disorders of insulin action and insulin secretion; any of these two abnormalities may be the predominant feature of the disease. The aim of the study was to review the drug treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes attending a follow-up clinic. Materials and Methods: The study took place at the outpatient clinic of a tertiary health center among patients attending a follow-up clinic. The study design was a descriptive cross-sectional review of the use of antidiabetic medications among adult males and females with type 2 diabetes. Results: A total of 235 participants took part in this study. 64.3% were females; the average age of the participants was 60.7 years with an age range of 20-88 years. This study showed metformin as the most commonly prescribed medication among the participants. Almost two-thirds of the participants were diagnosed with diabetes after they had developed symptoms or complications of diabetes. The proportion of participants with fasting blood sugar at the target level was 54.5%. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study revealed that metformin is the most commonly prescribed antidiabetic medication among the participants; almost two-thirds of the participants were detected to be diabetic after they have either developed symptoms or complications of the disease. Fasting blood sugar was at target levels in more than half of the participants.