PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS, GLYCEMIC CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT PATTERNS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN MALAYSIA

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
To highlight the real-world data on patient characteristics and management patterns among Malaysian type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients based on the DISCOVER Global Registry.

METHODOLOGY
The DISCOVER Global Registry is a prospective, non- interventional, clinician-led study involving adults with T2DM. Data from January 2017 to May 2020 were analyzed which included demographic details, biochemical parameters, medication use and details of follow up.

RESULTS
A total of 332 patients were enrolled (51% males, mean age 50.7 years, DM duration 76 months, body mass index 29.5 kg/m2, waist circumference 103 cm, blood pressure 132/76 mm Hg and co-morbidities (16% hypertension, 20% dyslipidemia). The mean HbA1c was 8.5%. The HbA1c value was <7% in 29% [88], 7-8% in 21% [65]) and >8% in 50% [150]. The mean fasting glucose level was 8.4 mmol/L, serum creatinine 80.5 μmol/L, eGFR 87 ml/min/1.73m2, total cholesterol 7.7 mmol/L, triglycerides 2.2 mmol/L and low density lipoprotein 3.4 mmol/L. Majority of the patients (44% [147]) were on biguanides, followed by insulin (33% [110]), sulfonylureas (14% [47]), dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (8% [27]) and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (6% [19]). At baseline, 36% (118) were on monotherapy, 21% (68) on dual, 14% (45) on triple, 6% (20) on quadruple therapies and 52% (171) were on cholesterol medication.

CONCLUSION
The percentage of poorly controlled DM remains high with majority of them being obese. Kidney function remains preserved while lipid levels are not on target. Metformin constitutes the most common diabetic agent used. Nearly half of patients are not on statin despite therapeutic necessities.