The pattern of antidiabetic drugs and glycaemic control among type 2 diabetes patients in an Endocrinology Clinic in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background Diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent in Nigeria. In addition to lifestyle changes, hypoglycaemic agents are of crucial importance in providing optimal care. The study aimed to study the pattern of hypoglycaemic agents and glycaemic control. Methods It is a retrospective study. Parameters of interest were obtained from the electronic medical records of 248 type 2 diabetes patients. Results The mean age of the patients was 59.6 ± 12.7 years. Biguanides (85.5%) and DPP-IV inhibitors (60.9%) were the most commonly used antidiabetic drugs, while thiazolidinediones (1.2%), α-glucosidase inhibitors (0.8%), and meglitinides (0%) were the least prescribed. In addition, SGLT-2 inhibitors, insulins, GLP-1 agonists, and sulphonylureas were prescribed to 31.0%, 17.1%, 15.3%, and 14.9%, respectively. On average, about 2-3 hypoglycaemic agents were prescribed. The number of drugs used and HbA1c were significantly negatively correlated. Biguanide, insulins, and DPP-IV inhibitors were associated with a significantly lower HbA1c. Conclusions Metformin is the drug of choice. Combining 2 to 3 drugs is very common. Glycaemic control is better in the present study, compared with prior studies, and it could be due to the pattern of drugs used in this study.