Trends in Comorbidities and Medication Use Among Type 2 Diabetes Patients in Iran: A Gender-Specific Analysis (2021–2023)

Aims : This study aimed to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and mental health disorders among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) attending the Qaem Clinic in Qazvin, Iran, from 2021 to 2023. The study also evaluated trends in medication use and clinical outcomes, focusing on gender differences. Methods : A quantitative descriptive registry-based study was conducted using electronic health records. Adult patients diagnosed with T2D who attended the clinic at least once during the study period were included. Key variables analyzed included demographic data, clinical diagnoses, medication use patterns, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, and annual medication costs. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, Chi-square tests, and ANOVA for trend analysis. Results : From 2021 to 2023, the number of T2D patients increased from 2,391 to 2,739, with a consistent gender distribution favoring women (61.5% to 61.6%). The prevalence of heart failure decreased from 20.1% to 16.9%, while hypertension increased from 55.0% to 56.1%. Medication trends showed a decline in metformin use from 53.7% to 50.0%, alongside an increase in sulfonylureas from 6.2% to 14.2%. The average HbA1c level rose from 6.7% to 7.0% (p=0.03), reflecting worsening glycemic control. Annual medication costs surged from 5,191,089,880 R in 2021 to 16,622,679,312 R in 2023. Conclusion : The analysis reveals a growing prevalence of comorbidities among T2D patients and highlights concerning trends in medication management and glycemic control. The findings underscore the need for gender-specific healthcare strategies, enhanced adherence to clinical guidelines, and cost-effective management solutions to improve patient outcomes.