Assessment of physicians and type 2 diabetic patient’s awareness regarding oral hypoglycemic medications and potential drug interactions. Tripoli/Libya
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Abstract
Background: When patients are diagnosed with diabetes, a large number of medications become
appropriate therapy. These include medications for dyslipidemia, hypertension, antiplatelet therapy, and
glycemic control. So many medications can be overwhelming, and it is imperative that patients are
thoroughly educated about their drug regimen. Patients have many concerns when multiple medications
are started, including prescribing errors and possible adverse effects. Objective: This study aimed to
provide a comprehensive and more accurate assessment of the nature of drug interactions and their
impact on patients treatment plans. Methods: The study designed two separate questionnaires to assess
drug interactions associated with diabetes medications from two different perspectives: the first from the
perspective of physicians, and the second from the perspective of patients with diabetes. Patients and
physicians were randomly selected from a diabetes hospital in Tripoli, Libya, between April 2025 and
July 2025. Results: The study included 150 patients and 9 physicians. The patient survey revealed that a
large percentage of patients used medications other than their diabetes medications, and these patients
were mostly middle-aged or elderly. As for the physician survey, most participants were general
practitioners, and more than half of the physicians noted interactions with Diabetes Medications.
Conclusion: The findings have increased patient awareness of the risks of drug interactions and require
periodic reviews of patients' medications, especially for those using more than one type of medication.
Physicians must also establish clear protocols for assessing and avoiding drug interactions when
prescribing treatment, and enhance collaboration between physicians and pharmacists to monitor
medications that may cause interactions with diabetes.
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