Improved access to health services

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 139 views

Profile of the Use of Diabetes Mellitus Drugs at the Serdang Bedagai District Health Center and Tebing Tinggi City

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex health condition characterized by metabolic disorders involving carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, often accompanied by hyperglycemia. This chronic disease requires prolonged treatment to maintain the quality of life of the patient. The use of DM drugs is a crucial aspect of managing this condition, and understanding the profile of their use is essential for developing effective treatment strategies. This study aims to evaluate the profile of the use of DM drugs in the Serdang Bedagai District Health Center and Tebing Tinggi City Health Center, including determining the potential for drug interaction.

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a significant public health concern worldwide, affecting millions of people. The disease is characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can lead to various complications, including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and nerve damage. The management of DM requires a multidisciplinary approach, including lifestyle modifications, diet, and medication. The use of DM drugs is a critical aspect of treatment, and understanding the profile of their use can help healthcare providers develop effective treatment plans.

Research Methods

This study employed a cross-sectional design, with data collection from 740 prescriptions containing DM drugs, taken from the period January to March 2019 in both Puskesmas. The data analysis was carried out using bivariate statistical tests, including the Chi-Square method, to evaluate the relationship between various characteristics, such as gender, age, drug class, frequency of use, and the type and duration of drug use.

Research Results

The findings show that the prevalence of DM in the Serdang Bedagai District Health Center is 4.99%, while in the Tebing Tinggi City Health Center reaches 9.686%. The results also indicate that there are significant differences in the pattern of drug use DM based on the type of drug (p = 0,000), the duration of drug use (p = 0.009), a combination of two drugs (p = 0.006), as well as the use of drugs other than drugs DM (P = 0,000), where the value of P is less than 0.05.

Additional Analysis and Explanation

Further analysis shows that although there is a higher DM prevalence in Tebing Tinggi City, the pattern of drug use is not significantly different based on demographic characteristics such as gender and age. This indicates that other factors, such as the level of access to health services, education about diseases, and patient behavior in managing their health, can play a role in differences in this prevalence.

On the other hand, the significant difference in the use of drug types, duration of use, and interactions with other drugs show that there is a need to evaluate the treatment process in both puskesmas. Drug interactions that may occur between DM drugs and other drugs can increase the risk of side effects, which need to be watched by health workers.

Conclusion

This study concluded that there were differences in the pattern of using DM drugs between the Serdang Bedagai District Health Center and Tebing Tinggi City. This information is important for the development of better and safer treatment strategies for people with DM, especially in the context of the potential for drug interaction and long-term disease management. Efforts to increase awareness about DM and appropriate treatment are also very important to improve the quality of life of patients.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Improved access to health services: Efforts should be made to improve access to health services, particularly in rural areas, to ensure that people with DM receive timely and effective treatment.
Education and awareness: Education and awareness programs should be implemented to educate people about DM, its complications, and the importance of proper treatment.
Patient behavior: Patient behavior in managing their health should be encouraged, including regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, healthy diet, and regular exercise.
Drug interaction: Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for drug interactions between DM drugs and other drugs, and take necessary precautions to prevent adverse effects.
Long-term disease management: Efforts should be made to develop effective long-term disease management strategies, including regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, and adjustment of treatment plans as needed.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small sample size: The sample size of this study was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Cross-sectional design: The cross-sectional design of this study may not capture the dynamic nature of DM management, and the effects of treatment over time.
Limited data: The data collected in this study may not be comprehensive, and may not capture all the relevant factors that influence DM management.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on:

Longitudinal studies: Longitudinal studies should be conducted to capture the dynamic nature of DM management, and the effects of treatment over time.
Large sample size: Larger sample sizes should be used to increase the generalizability of the findings.
Comprehensive data: Comprehensive data should be collected to capture all the relevant factors that influence DM management.
Multidisciplinary approach: A multidisciplinary approach should be taken to develop effective treatment strategies for people with DM.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the profile of the use of DM drugs in the Serdang Bedagai District Health Center and Tebing Tinggi City Health Center. The findings highlight the need for improved access to health services, education and awareness, patient behavior, drug interaction, and long-term disease management. Future research should focus on addressing the limitations of this study, and developing effective treatment strategies for people with DM.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Diabetes Mellitus and its Management

Q: What is Diabetes Mellitus (DM)?

A: Diabetes Mellitus is a complex health condition characterized by metabolic disorders involving carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, often accompanied by hyperglycemia. This chronic disease requires prolonged treatment to maintain the quality of life of the patient.

Q: What are the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus?

A: The symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus include:

Increased thirst and hunger
Fatigue
Blurred vision
Slow healing of cuts and wounds
Tingling or numbness in the hands and feet
Frequent urination

Q: What are the risk factors for Diabetes Mellitus?

A: The risk factors for Diabetes Mellitus include:

Family history of DM
Obesity
Physical inactivity
Age (over 45 years)
Ethnicity (African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, or Alaska Native)
History of gestational diabetes or delivering a baby over 9 pounds

Q: How is Diabetes Mellitus diagnosed?

A: Diabetes Mellitus is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests, including:

Fasting plasma glucose test
Oral glucose tolerance test
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test
Random plasma glucose test

Q: What are the treatment options for Diabetes Mellitus?

A: The treatment options for Diabetes Mellitus include:

Lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, weight loss)
Medications (oral hypoglycemic agents, insulin)
Insulin therapy
Monitoring of blood sugar levels
Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider

Q: What are the complications of Diabetes Mellitus?

A: The complications of Diabetes Mellitus include:

Cardiovascular disease
Kidney damage (nephropathy)
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Blindness (retinopathy)
Foot damage (ulcers, amputations)
Increased risk of infections

Q: How can I manage my Diabetes Mellitus?

A: To manage your Diabetes Mellitus, you should:

Follow a healthy diet and exercise plan
Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly
Take your medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider
Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider
Manage stress and get enough sleep

Q: What is the role of healthcare providers in managing Diabetes Mellitus?

A: Healthcare providers play a crucial role in managing Diabetes Mellitus by:

Diagnosing and treating the condition
Developing a treatment plan
Monitoring blood sugar levels and adjusting treatment as needed
Providing education and support to patients
Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to manage complications

Q: What are the benefits of managing Diabetes Mellitus?

A: The benefits of managing Diabetes Mellitus include:

Improved blood sugar control
Reduced risk of complications
Improved quality of life
Increased life expectancy
Reduced healthcare costs

Q: What are the challenges of managing Diabetes Mellitus?

A: The challenges of managing Diabetes Mellitus include:

Adherence to treatment plans
Managing stress and emotions
Dealing with complications
Access to healthcare services
Cost of medications and supplies

Q: How can I get support for managing my Diabetes Mellitus?

A: You can get support for managing your Diabetes Mellitus by:

Talking to your healthcare provider
Joining a support group
Using online resources and apps
Educating yourself about the condition
Seeking help from family and friends