Introduction: The prevalence of Diabetes is growing worldwide. Diabetes is a growing cause of burden of disease globally. Many communities are facing challenges is controlling the disease progression. Compliance of diabetes medication and related education is one of the main factors reviewed under this study. In this study, diabetes medication compliance and factors influencing the non-compliance among type II diabetics were assessed.

Methodology: Outpatient clinic based cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 different outpatient clinics in Karachi, Pakistan. With the help of the medical providers, consecutive sampling method was used to identify and recruit the participants in 2018-2019. Structured questionnaire was used to understand the knowledge about diabetes and medication compliance to control and treat the disease.

Results: Total 208 diabetics were interviewed. The mean age was 57.4 (9.3) and the average duration of diabetes was more than 6.5 years. Overall, little over 47% of the diabetics were unaware about the diabetes complications. Lack of diabetes education, timely availability of medications, lack of understanding of diabetes complications, and financial challenges were major factors contributed to the non-compliance of the disease. Over 60% of the participants had at least one co-morbidity. Of these, 72% were not aware about the dangers of co-morbidity and non-compliance for timely care.

Conclusion: Continuous education on medication compliance and comorbidities associated with diabetes need to be integral part of the regular care of diabetics. Healthcare personnel involved in providing diabetic care need to take the responsibility of properly monitoring the compliance and regular follow up of diabetics to make sure their timely care which ultimately shall reduce the burden of the disease.