Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part E (2025)

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin function. It is often associated with hypertension and increased cardiovascular risk. India, with a rapidly rising diabetic population, faces significant health and economic challenges from diabetes and its complications. Effective management through rational drug use and cost-effective therapy is essential to improve outcomes and reduce the burden on patients.
Results: The study evaluated 150 patients (aged 30–65+), with most in the 50–65 age group and nearly equal gender distribution. Diabetes alone was seen in 51.3%, while 40.6% had both diabetes and hypertension. Dual therapy was most common for both antidiabetics (54.45%) and antihypertensives (59.7%). Glimepiride + metformin and telmisartan-based combinations were the preferred regimens. Short-acting insulins were used in 80.85% of cases. Generic prescribing was extremely low (<1%). Pharmacoeconomic analysis showed significant savings with insulin substitutions, while oral drug cost differences were minimal.
Conclusion: This study examines drug utilization and pharmacoeconomics of antidiabetic and antihypertensive therapies. Most patients were aged 50–65, with high rates of comorbidity. Dual therapy was most common, using short-acting insulins and telmisartan-based combinations. Generic prescribing was very low, despite potential cost benefits. Pharmacoeconomic analysis showed significant savings with generic insulin substitutions, while oral drug switches offered minimal benefit. The findings highlight the need for cost-effective prescribing and stronger promotion of generics, especially for injectables, to improve access and affordability.