This transversal study aimed to evaluate compliance with pharmacological therapy among users of oral antidiabetic drugs. The research involved 437 diabetic patients of both sexes between 18-92 years of age from12 healthcare centers located in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, between March and June of 2009. In order to evaluate their adhesion to oral antidiabetic medication, both Batalla's Test and the Treatment Adherence and Measurement Test were applied in households. Tablets were also counted. It was established that 74.6%, 86.3% and 71.2% were considered non-compliers according to the tests applied, respectively. Among the subjects not complying with their treatment via oral antidiabetics, 95% have missed diabetes therapeutic program appointments (p=0.000) and 76% maintain blood glucose levels above recommended values (p=0.013). It is possible that the core of the problem is in the professional-client relationship and in health education. Therefore, the revival of the foundations of health promotion need to permeate the actions of professionals involved in diabetic patient care.
Patient compliance; Diabetes Mellitus type 2; Hypoglycemic agents
