Journal of Research in Applied and Basic Medical Sciences

en Drug Utilization Patterns in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Hospital-Based Observational Study in Central India Other Other پژوهشي orginal article Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus poses a major challenge to the Indian healthcare system due to its rising prevalence, early onset, and long-term pharmacological requirements. Evaluating drug utilization patterns is essential to promote rational prescribing, improve glycemic control, and ensure adherence to the guidelines. The study aimed to evaluate prescribing patterns of antidiabetic drugs in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at a tertiary care center in Central India. Methods: A prospective exploratory study was conducted from January 2022 to December 2024 at Index Medical College, Indore, including 964 type 2 diabetes mellitus patients aged ≥ 20 years attending opd. demographic details, comorbidities, and prescription data were collected using a structured case report form. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 30, applying descriptive statistics and inferential tests (Chi-square, Pearson’s correlation, and ANOVA), with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of patients was 46.91 ± 12.42 years, with significant male predominance (56.33%, p = 0.002); most patients belonged to the 41–50-year age group (32.57%). Metformin was the most commonly prescribed drug (48.03%), followed by glimepiride (36.41%), sitagliptin (17.43%), and dapagliflozin (13.07%). Combination therapy was more frequent (66.29%) than monotherapy (33.71%). The most common fixed-dose combination was metformin with glimepiride (15.98%). Polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) was observed in 34% of patients and was significantly associated with hypertension (11.31%, p < 0.0001) and dyslipidemia (6.95%). A strong positive correlation was noted between BMI and HbA1c (r = 0.997, p = 0.003), with significantly higher HbA1c levels in obese patients (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study indicates a predominant use of metformin-based combination regimens in line with standard treatment protocols. The high prevalence of polypharmacy and its association with comorbidities highlights the need for regular prescription audits and individualized therapy to ensure rational drug use and improved patient outcomes. Combination therapy, Drug utilization, Metformin, Polypharmacy, Prescribing patterns, Type 2 diabetes mellitus 377 382 http://ijrabms.umsu.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-539-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Rajveer Singh Rathore rsr3579@gmail.com 10031947532846005533 10031947532846005533 Yes Department of Pharmacology, Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Indore Akash Vishwe drakash.vishwe@gmail.com 10031947532846005534 10031947532846005534 No Department of Pharmacology, Index Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Indore Susheel Kumar susheelpn72@gmail.com 10031947532846005535 10031947532846005535 No Department of Pharmacology, RUHS College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur Lokendra Sharma rvsr3579@gmail.com 10031947532846005536 10031947532846005536 No Department of Pharmacology, RUHS College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur Alka Bansal alkabansal04@gmail.com 10031947532846005537 10031947532846005537 No Department of Pharmacology, RUHS College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur Punam jakhar punm.jakhar@gmail.com 10031947532846005538 10031947532846005538 No Department of Pharmacology, RUHS College of Medical Sciences, Jaipur