Lucknow: A study conducted by King George’s Medical University (KGMU) has found that more than half of patients suffering from both diabetes and hypertension who did not take their medicines regularly reported uncontrolled blood pressure and blood sugar levels.Published in the International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology in 2026, the study found that 51.2% of the 385 patients surveyed had low medication adherence. Among them, 82.7% had uncontrolled blood pressure and 84.3% had uncontrolled blood sugar levels.Patients who adhered to treatment showed better outcomes, with 60% achieving blood pressure control and 63% maintaining controlled blood sugar levels.Researchers said poor medication adherence can lead to persistent disease progression and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage and premature death.The study was based on research conducted among 385 patients with Type 2 diabetes and hypertension between February and May 2023.It found that younger patients, women, those with higher education levels and individuals with sufficient income were more likely to take medicines as prescribed.Researchers said financial constraints, lack of awareness and difficulties in maintaining long-term treatment may contribute to non-adherence.Smoking was also linked to poorer medication adherence. More than six in 10 smokers showed low adherence compared with about four in 10 non-smokers.The study further found that salaried employees had better adherence than self-employed individuals, homemakers and those who were unemployed.The study, titled “Cross-Sectional Study Assessment of Medication Adherence in Hypertensive Diabetic Patients Visiting OPD”, was conducted by Indrashis Mukherjee, Anuradha Nischal, Narsingh Verma, Kauser Usman and Kamal Kumar Sawlani of KGMU.
