Trends in prescribing dipeptidyl peptidase-IV-based therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus and determining factors associated with its utilization

Abstract Background: The treatment landscape for diabetes mellitus (DM) has evolved significantly, necessitating a tailored approach to selecting medications based on patient-specific factors. This is particularly relevant for newer anti-diabetic agents such as dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors. This study aimed to assess the prescribing trends of DPP-4 inhibitors and identify the factors influencing their use in patients with type 2 DM. Materials and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Two hundred patients with type 2 DM attending the outpatient medicine department were enrolled after obtaining informed consent. Data were collected using a structured case record form, capturing prescription patterns and various influencing factors, including sociodemographic details, disease characteristics, glycemic control, and safety profile. Results: Most participants (55.5%) were between 51 and 80 years old, with 56.5% belonging to the upper–lower socio-economic class. Males comprised 53% of the study population, while females accounted for 47%. With respect to the body mass index, 45.5% of patients were overweight or obese. Most participants (79.5%) had been diagnosed with diabetes for less than 10 years. Neuropathy was the most frequently reported complication, and hypertension was the most common comorbidity. DPP-4 inhibitors were predominantly prescribed in elderly, overweight, and obese patients. However, no statistically significant association was found between DPP-4 inhibitor use and sociodemographic factors, disease profile, or safety parameters. The most frequently observed adverse drug reactions were mild dizziness and hypoglycemia, classified as “Possible” according to the WHO-UMC scale. Conclusion: DPP-4 inhibitors were the most commonly prescribed hypoglycemic agents in this study. Patients receiving DPP-4 inhibitors exhibited good glycemic control and were more likely to be overweight or obese. However, no significant correlations were identified between DPP-4 inhibitor use and sociodemographic characteristics, disease parameters, or safety profiles.