EVALUATION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES RISKS AND DRUG UTILIZATION PATTERN IN PATIENTS WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS ATTENDING A TERTIARY HEALTH CENTRE IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic medical disorder that is associated with elevated levels of blood sugar. It is estimated
that about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes mellitus. The risk for cardiovascular disease is 2–3 times
higher in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with those without the disorder. The study design was a
descriptive cross-sectional survey. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information to the study
from the participants by both interview and directly from their hospital record. The questionnaires were used to
enquire and record information on; participants demographics, anthropometric measurements, fasting blood sugar
levels, pattern of use of antidiabetic and antihypertensive agents prescribed, and lipid profile of participants. A total
of two-hundred and two patients participated in the study, 71% were females and the mean age was 61 years. The
commonest cardiovascular risk factor identified among participants was central obesity with prevalence of 92%
when assessed with waist-hip ratio. In conclusion the commonest risk factor for cardiovascular disease among the
study participants was central obesity, present in 92% of the patients reviewed, the prevalence of hypertension was
67.3% and dyslipidaemia 64.4%. The commonest antidiabetic drug prescribed was metformin and calcium channel
blockers were the most commonly prescribed antihypertensive agent.