Surreal image of pills forming a heart and sugar cube, symbolizing medication for hypertension and diabetes.

Medication Matters: Understanding Drug Use for Hypertension and Diabetes

Samir D’Costa in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"A deep dive into medicine usage for hypertension and diabetes patients, and how gender plays a role in healthcare"

In today's world, medication is a crucial tool for treating various illnesses. However, it's also sometimes seen as a simple symbol of health. This view can lead to an over-reliance on drugs, overshadowing the importance of addressing the social and lifestyle factors that contribute to diseases. This can hinder important lifestyle changes.

Medications are essential for managing and preventing issues related to chronic diseases. The demand for these drugs has grown in recent years, mirroring the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions. This rise is linked to an aging population, changes in lifestyle, and better access to healthcare services.

Between 1997 and 2007, the Brazilian population saw a significant increase, with an even sharper rise in the number of people aged 60 and over. As the population ages, chronic diseases like hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, and depression become more common. Modern habits, such as poor diet and inactivity, contribute to these conditions, further increasing the risk of obesity.

Inside the Study: Medication Use in Minas Gerais

Surreal image of pills forming a heart and sugar cube, symbolizing medication for hypertension and diabetes.

A research study explored how people with hypertension and/or diabetes in Minas Gerais, Brazil, use medications. The study focused on people getting their medicine through a public pharmacy network, paying special attention to how men and women differ in their medication use.

The study involved interviews with individuals who have hypertension and/or diabetes. These individuals obtained their medications through a public network of pharmacies. During the first two months of 2010, interviewers spoke with individuals in half of the 64 municipalities (counties) participating in the Minas Gerais Pharmacy Network. The interviewees included 4,777 people. The average age of those interviewed was 60.9 years, and they were using a high average number of medicines. Women used 4.0 medicines on average, while men used 3.5. The most common types of drugs used affected the cardiovascular system (56.3%), alimentary tract and metabolism (14.9%), and nervous system (13.8%).

The most frequently used drugs were cardiovascular medications, followed by those for the alimentary tract and nervous system.
Women and older individuals tended to use more medicines.
The study highlights the need for education on the rational use of medication.

The study revealed that a significant portion of participants' income was spent on medications, underscoring the economic burden of chronic disease management. It also suggests the importance of educational initiatives aimed at promoting the rational use of medication.

The Bigger Picture: Promoting Health Beyond Medication

This study reinforces the idea that managing chronic conditions requires a comprehensive approach. While medications play a vital role, lifestyle changes such as improving diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly are equally important. Healthcare policies should prioritize these strategies to improve overall health outcomes and reduce the reliance on medication alone.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/s0102-311x2012000800013, Alternate LINK

Title: Perfil De Utilização De Medicamentos Por Indivíduos Com Hipertensão Arterial E Diabetes Mellitus Em Municípios Da Rede Farmácia De Minas

Subject: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Journal: Cadernos de Saúde Pública

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Vinícius Oliveira De Moura Pereira, Francisco De Assis Acurcio, Augusto Afonso Guerra Júnior, Grazielle Dias Da Silva, Mariangela Leal Cherchiglia

Published: 2012-08-01

Everything You Need To Know

What role do medications play in managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes?

Medications play a vital role in managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes. They help in controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, preventing complications. Cardiovascular medications were the most frequently used, followed by drugs for the alimentary tract and nervous system, highlighting the physiological systems most impacted by these conditions.

How was the study in Minas Gerais conducted to assess medication use among individuals with hypertension and diabetes?

The study conducted in Minas Gerais focused on individuals accessing medications through the public pharmacy network. The research involved interviewing 4,777 people with hypertension and/or diabetes in half of the 64 municipalities participating in the Minas Gerais Pharmacy Network. The study noted the number of medicines being used by individuals and classified these by therapeutic effects such as cardiovascular medications, and those acting on the alimentary tract and nervous system.

Did the study find any differences in medication use between men and women with hypertension and diabetes?

The study indicates that women in Minas Gerais, Brazil, with hypertension and/or diabetes used more medicines on average (4.0) compared to men (3.5). This difference suggests potential gender-related variations in healthcare needs or treatment approaches, requiring further investigation to understand the underlying causes and ensure equitable healthcare delivery.

Besides medications, what other factors are important in managing chronic conditions effectively?

While medications are crucial for managing chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, focusing solely on them can overshadow the importance of lifestyle modifications. A comprehensive approach involves integrating lifestyle changes such as diet improvements, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight. Healthcare policies should promote these strategies alongside medication to improve overall health outcomes and reduce reliance on drugs.

What economic impact does managing chronic diseases have on individuals with hypertension and diabetes?

The study in Minas Gerais revealed that a significant portion of participants' income was spent on medications, highlighting the substantial economic burden of managing chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. This financial strain underscores the need for affordable medication access and comprehensive healthcare policies that alleviate the economic impact on individuals and families affected by these conditions.