Impact of Attendance to a Pharmacist-Managed Medication Adherence Clinic on Glycemic Control and Risk Factors for Non-Completion Among Persons with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Selangor, Malaysia

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting millions globally. Adherence to treatment is crucial for effective management.

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes, specifically changes in haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels, between DM patients who completed the pharmacist-managed Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (DMTAC) sessions and those who did not, and to identify risk factors associated with non-completion of DMTAC.

METHODS: This multicenter, retrospective study included patients with DM attending DMTAC at five Ministry of Health centers from January 2018 to December 2020. Patients were categorized based on their completion of DMTAC sessions: those who completed at least four sessions and those who did not as per DMTAC protocol. The changes in HbA1c and FBS levels between the groups were analyzed. Logistic regression was employed to identify risk factors for non-completion of DMTAC.

RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were included, comprising 49% male with a mean age of 56.52, ±12.91 years. The complete group consisted of 49% (n=99) of the patients, while the did not complete group included 50.5% (n=100). A statistically significant reduction in FBS levels from initial to final measurements was observed in the complete group compared to the did not complete group (P=0.024). Female gender, higher education levels, and a longer duration since DM diagnosis were significantly associated with non-completion of DMTAC.

CONCLUSION: Diabetic patients attending at least four DMTAC sessions showed potential improvements in FBS levels. To enhance attendance at DMTAC sessions, healthcare professionals should focus on patients identified with risk factors for non-completion of DMTAC.