Drug therapy in patients with diabetes mellitus: an audit.
The drug therapy prescribed for 412 diabetic patients attending an outpatient clinic over a 12 week period was recorded to try and identify potential therapeutic problems. Over 90% of the patients were prescribed at least one drug (including insulin) with oral hypoglycaemic agents prescribed for 86% of non-insulin requiring diabetics. 19% of patients were prescribed more than three drugs and few patients took drug combinations. Of patients prescribed either glibenclamide or chlorpropamide, 63% were aged 65 yr or older. Despite their potential adverse clinical and biochemical effects, diuretics and beta-blockers were commonly prescribed, especially in hypertension. The prescribing of "newer" anti-hypertensive drugs, combination products in patients taking a multiple drug regimen, and the potential dangers of sulphonylureas in the elderly are three areas where alteration of prescribing habits may be of value.
Paterson
J R
JR
Department of Pathological Biochemistry, Western Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
Orrell
J M
JM
Neithercut
W D
WD
Small
M
M
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000188:drug therapy; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000188:drug therapy; D004232:Diuretics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004358:Drug Therapy; D064420:Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008485:Medical Audit; D010349:Patient Compliance
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D002317:Cardiovascular Agents; D004232:Diuretics; D007004:Hypoglycemic Agents; D007328:Insulin