Pharmacoepidemiology of diabetes mellitus in a national population

Abstract

Diabetes is associated with significant morbidity and mortality from microvascular and macrovascular complications. It is projected that the prevalence of diabetes will increase worldwide especially in the elderly population [1]. The increase in the prevalence of diabetes and its debilitating consequences will have a significant impact on the individual patient and the health care services. The burden of diabetes has increased research interests with the release of novel pharmacotherapy for diabetes in the last few years, publication of guidelines by experts in the field and a paradigm shift towards patient centred care. This thesis aims to examine the pharmacoepidemiology of diabetes mellltus In the Irish population using information derived primarily from a national pharmacy claims database. Most patients with diabetes in Ireland are covered under two different community drug schemes and this provides a unique opportunity to examine the different patterns of prescribing for diabetes in a national population.