Consultant Physicians’ Awareness, Prescribing Practices, and Safety Measures of SGLT2 Inhibitors in Tripoli, Libya: A Unicenter Domestic Study

Abstract

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) improve glycemic control and provide cardiorenal benefits in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Physician awareness and safe prescribing practices are critical to optimize outcomes. This study was conducted to evaluate consultant physicians’ awareness, prescribing practices, and safety considerations regarding SGLT2i in Tripoli, Libya. A cross-sectional study included 39 consultant physicians (21 cardiologists, 18 endocrinologists) with ≥1 year of SGLT2i prescribing experience. Data were collected via a validated self-administered questionnaire assessing demographics, prescribing patterns, observed benefits, adverse effects, monitoring practices, and awareness levels. Continuous variables were reported as median ± interquartile range (IQR); categorical variables as n (%). Associations were analyzed using chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and Spearman’s rho correlation; P < 0.05 was significant. Median prescribing experience was 5 years (IQR 3–8). High awareness was observed in 64% and moderate in 36%. Most physicians prescribed SGLT2i for both cardiac and diabetes indications (72%), predominantly empagliflozin (82%). Observed benefits included cardiovascular, renal, and metabolic outcomes. Awareness significantly correlated with safety measure implementation (r = 0.628, P = 0.038) and reporting of adverse effects (r = 0.661, P = 0.027). Specialty correlated with short-term risk perception (P < 0.002), while years of experience inversely correlated with long-term risk perception (r = -0.682, P = 0.021). Consultant physicians in Libya demonstrate moderate to high awareness of SGLT2i, strongly influencing safety practices and patient benefits. Clinical pharmacists play a pivotal role in updating healthcare professionals, supporting safe prescribing, and optimizing therapeutic outcomes