Document Type
Journal Article
Publisher
Springer
School
School of Medical and Health Sciences
RAS ID
25087
Funders
Australia-China International Collaborative. Grant Number: NH&MRC-APP1112767-NSFC81561128020
Abstract
Background:
Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is complicated by multiple cardio-metabolic risk factors. Controlling these factors requires lifestyle modifications alongside utilisation of anti-diabetic medications. Different glucose lowering [(biguanides (BIGs), sulfonylureas (SUAs), thiazolidinediones (TNZ)], lipid lowering (statins), and anti-hypertensive medicines [angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), calcium channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) and central acting drugs (CADs)] have been approved for controlling hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia and hypertension respectively. Here, we examined factors that characterise T2DM and explored the response to medication therapy among T2DM patients.
Methods:
This prospective cohort study recruited 241 T2DM patients reporting at a clinic in Ghana, from January through to August, 2016. Each patient’s demographic, medications and anthropometric data was obtained while information on medication adherence was captured using Morisky adherence scale-8 (MMAS-8). Fasting blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis.
Results:
The mean age of participants was 57.82 years for baseline and six-month follow-up. Physical activity differed at baseline and follow up (p < 0.05) but not body mass index (BMI). BIG alone, or in combination with SUA and TNZ did not improve glycaemic status at follow up (p > 0.05). Many participants using either ACEI or ARB were able to control their blood pressures. Among dyslipidaemia patients under statin treatment, there was an improved lipid profile at follow-up.
Conclusions:
Statin medications are effective for reducing dyslipidaemia in T2DM patients. However, control of modifiable risk factors, particularly blood glucose and to a lesser degree blood pressure is suboptimal. Addressing these will require concomitant interventions including education on medication adherence and correct dietary plans, lifestyle modifications and physical activity.
DOI
10.1186/s40169-017-0162-5
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Comments
Adua, E., Roberts, P., Sakyi, S. A., Yeboah, F. A., Dompreh, A., Frimpong, K., ... & Wang, W. (2017). Profiling of cardio-metabolic risk factors and medication utilisation among Type II diabetes patients in Ghana: A prospective cohort study. Clinical and Translational Medicine, 6(1), Article e32.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s40169-017-0162-5