OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to analyse the cost of anti-diabetic medications and its economic implications on patients with type II diabetes mellitus.

METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in patients above 20 years of age and diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus who attended the inpatient department of Endocrinology from October 2018 - April 2019. Patients were followed from the day of admission till their discharge. Relevant details were collected from medication charts, pharmacy bills and patient interviews and were recorded in a suitably designed data collection form. Microsoft Excel was used to describe data statistically.

RESULTS: A total of 252 patients, who fulfilled criteria were recruited. Male predominance was found (61.9 %). The mean age of the patients was found to be 58.76±12.5. Cost of oral hypoglycemic agents were found to be INR 7.289±12.27 per day. Glimepiride showed highest percentage of cost variation with 493.33%.

CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes imposes a large economic burden on individuals with diabetes and their families and to health systems and national economies through medication costs. Health care providers play a pivotal role in the betterment of patients’ health and lifelong management of the disease. Clinical pharmacist’s assistance can contribute to providing diabetes related services that focus on managing medications to positively impact health outcomes, reduce overall healthcare system costs, and empower patients and consumers to actively manage their health.

KEY WORDS: Type II diabetes mellitus, anti-diabetic medications, cost, percentage cost variation