Rational Use of Diabetes and Non-Diabetes Medications and Contribution of Nurses to it: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Diabetes is a chronic disease in which rational medication use is important. However, studies reporting the rational use of medication and the contribution of nurses to diabetic patients are limited. Purpose: To determine the rational use of diabetes and non-diabetes medications by people with diabetes and the contribution of nurses to rational medication use and to make recommendations for rational medication using training. Methods: The study was used a descriptive and cross-sectional design. Using Raosoft sample size calculator, the sample size was determined with a margin of error of 5% and a confidence interval of 95%, assuming a response rate of 50%. The participants completed self-report questionnaires (n = 381). Descriptive analyzes were performed. Results: Most people with diabetes (70.86%) use insulin and about half (42.78%) use OAD. The most commonly used diabetes medications are biguanide (79.8%) and long-acting insulin (53.4%). The most common non-diabetes medications were the cardiovascular system medications (20.7%). 24.1% of participants knew about rational medication use, 17.1% knew that diabetes medications can interact with other medications and foods. 7.6% had 6 or more boxes of medicine in their medicine cabinet. 4 boxes or more of medications are thrown away (15%) per year, and they are reused (65.6%) if they are suitable for the disease. 26.6% think that the duration of the report affects the treatment. Nurses gave limited information on use of medication (57.0%). Conclusion: The rational use of diabetes and non-diabetic medication should be increased. Nurses should improve the medication-related behavior of patients with diabetes.