Praveen . Raj

To understand Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of physicians in the management of postprandial hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes. A questionnaire based cross sectional study was carried out with 105 physicians across India. The questionnaire was aimed to understand the management of postprandial hyperglycaemia, glycemic variation and comprehend the role of alpha glucosidase inhibitors from the Indian perspective. About 98% of physicians have reported that postprandial hyperglycaemia is an important factor contributing to glycemic variability. About 72% of physicians consider that voglibose, alone or in combination to other oral hypoglycaemic agents helps in reducing glycemic variability. Almost 88% of physicians consider that mouth dissolving formulation of voglibose will increase the compliance in their patients. Only 55% of physician’s have advised their patients to take voglibose during the first bite of meal. Physicians consider postprandial hyperglycaemia as an important contributing factor for glycemic excursions and consider voglibose either alone or in combination with other oral hypoglycaemic drugs would control glycemic variability. Similarly, the mouth dissolving voglibose would be a better option to increase patient compliance with respect to conventional voglibose.

The objective of this study was to understand the physicians’ perception in the management of hyperthyroid disorders. In this single visit survey, 177 physicians across India were asked to fill the questionnaire pertaining to hyperthyroid disorders, medications and its compliance. A total of 44% of physicians prescribe anti-thyroid drugs for minimum of 18 months, whereas 37 % prescribe anti-thyroid drugs for 12 months. Almost 48% of physicians’ initiate carbimazole 10 mg BD/day or 20 mg OD in their patients. Non-adherence due to unavailability of anti-thyroid medications is a major concern seen in their patients. Almost 44 % of physicians confirmed that >20% patients discontinued anti-thyroid therapy due to non-availability. Majority of the physicians (89%) prefer compliance pack i.e. bottle of 100 tablets to their patients. Antithyroid drugs are usually administered for about 12-18 months. Non-compliance due to unavailability of medicine is the major problem in the management of hyperthyroid disorders. Compliance pack/bottle of 100 tablets could be a useful option to improve patient compliance.