Financial and Treatment Compliance Challenges Among Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study From Pakistan

Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a rapidly growing global health challenge, with significant health, economic, and social implications. This chronic condition imposes substantial financial burdens on individuals and healthcare systems, particularly in low-resource settings. This study aimed to assess the financial burden and treatment compliance among adult diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Diabetes Clinic of Alkhidmat Raazi Hospital, Rawalpindi. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 307 diabetic patients aged ≥20 years. The questionnaire captured demographics, socio-economic factors, direct medical costs, and treatment compliance. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The mean annual direct medical cost was 55,113 PKR (USD 270), with medication expenses contributing significantly. Non-adherence to treatment was prevalent, with 129 (42%) patients citing financial constraints as the primary barrier. Productivity losses were reported by 234 (76%) participants, with an estimated 25% reduction in work output among affected individuals. Despite these challenges, 258 (84%) of participants reported moderate satisfaction with their health. Conclusion Diabetes imposes a substantial economic burden on patients in Pakistan, exacerbated by limited healthcare support and financial constraints. Addressing these challenges through policy reforms and targeted interventions is imperative to improve patient outcomes and alleviate the socio-economic impact of the disease.