DRUG-RELATED PROBLEMS IN ANTIDIABETIC THERAPY AMONG OUTPATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: GLYCEMIC CONTROL PROFILE (HBA1C, FASTING BLOOD GLUCOSE), COMORBIDITIES, AND DRUG INTERACTIONS

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic disease requiring long-term pharmacotherapy and is frequently accompanied by comorbidities, which may increase the risk of drug-related problems (DRPs), particularly in outpatient settings. This study aimed to describe the DRP profile related to antidiabetic therapy among T2DM outpatients during July–December 2025 and to review patient characteristics, medication patterns, glycemic control, and potential drug interactions. A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using purposive sampling based on completeness of medical records/prescriptions. The sample included 100 T2DM outpatients. Most patients were aged 46–55 years (56%) and female (61%), with hypertension (39%), neuropathy (20%), and CKD (17%) as the most common comorbidities. Antidiabetic monotherapy was used in 59% of patients and combination therapy in 41%; metformin was the most frequently used single agent (25%), while gliquidone + metformin was the most common combination (16%). Glycemic control was generally suboptimal, with HbA1c ≥9.0% in 59% and fasting plasma glucose >180 mg/dL in 47% of patients; the most common disease duration was 5–10 years (55%). A total of 29 DRP cases (29%) were identified, predominantly drug interactions (18%), followed by adverse drug reactions (5%), overdosing (4%), and underdosing (2%). The most frequent interactions involved antidiabetic agents with cardiovascular drugs, particularly insulin with beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors. In conclusion, DRPs were present among T2DM outpatients with drug interactions as the dominant category, highlighting the need for regular medication review, glucose monitoring, and patient education to improve therapy safety and effectiveness.