Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Metformin Use in the Treatment of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a progressive, lifelong metabolic disease characterized by insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose levels. Metformin is the most common initial therapy of choice for T2DM due to its antihyperglycemic activity, safety, and cardiovascular benefits. However, there is a need to explore the prevalence of metformin use and its associated risk factors, given its widespread use and prescription in diverse populations.Objective: To assess the proportion and risk factors of metformin use among patients with T2DM attending Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, from March 2024 to October 2024.Methods: This cross-sectional study employed an observational approach. Data was obtained through patient interviews and hospital record searches. A total of 1,729 patients with T2DM who were receiving metformin participated in the study by answering structured questions.Results: The findings showed a significant association between smoking and metformin use, with smokers accounting for 45.0% and non-smokers 29.7% of users (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.25–1.69). Patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 (53.5%) had higher metformin use compared to those with a BMI <30 (25.7%) (OR = 1.85, 95% CI: 1.45–2.23). Additionally, older patients exhibited higher odds of belonging to the obese category (OR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.25–1.89).Conclusions: This study highlights that metformin, the first-line treatment for T2DM, is widely used and more frequently prescribed to older, obese individuals and smokers. These findings raise important questions for future research, particularly regarding lifestyle modification interventions to improve medication compliance, reduce potential harms, and evaluate the long-term effects of treatment among different patient groups, thereby promoting equitable and effective diabetes management.