Introduction: The Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (DMTAC) is an ambulatory care service conducted by trained pharmacists in collaboration with doctors. It could support improved glycaemic control in patients by enhancing their understanding and adherence to the treatment regimen through education. 

Methods: Patients enrolled in the DMTAC program in all 84 health clinics in Johor from January 2016 to December 2017 were studied. Data collected and reviewed retrospectively included patient demographic characteristics, diabetic and medication history, current treatments, co-morbidities and therapeutic outcomes (glycosylated haemoglobin A1c, HbA1c, and lipid profiles). Baseline values of HbA1c and lipid profiles were taken from patients’ medical records during their first visits, while the post-intervention values were obtained from follow-up data, which consisted of the most recent information documented during the patients’ last visit with the DMTAC pharmacist before December 2017. 

Results: A total of 1107 patients (693 females and 414 males) with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) aged between 24 and 88 years were included in the study. A significant mean reduction in HbA1c of 0.92 ± 1.94% was observed. Additionally, slight but significant reductions were noted in total cholesterol level (-0.27mmol/L), LDL-cholesterol level (-0.31mmol/L), and triglycerides level (-0.14mmol/L). Both systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) showed a small but significant reduction when comparing pre- and post-intervention results, from 142/81mmHg to 137/79mmHg. Patient understanding scores also improved after the 4th visit with the DMTAC pharmacist, increasing from 87.94% to 98.55%. 

Conclusion: The DMTAC program at public health clinics (PHCs) in Johor, Malaysia, significantly improved HbA1c, FBG, lipid profiles, BP, and medication understanding, with DMTAC pharmacists playing a key role in supporting the multidisciplinary team through targeted interventions and counselling. 

Tai Chia Woon is a registered pharmacist who has been serving at Mahmoodiah Health Clinic, Johor Bahru, since 2010, where she specializes in the Diabetes Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (DMTAC). She also serves as a preceptor for DMTAC, Cardiovascular Care Bundle-MTAC (CCB-MTAC), and the Provisional Registered Pharmacist (PRP) training program, guiding and mentoring young pharmacists in clinical practice. With a strong interest in research on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in primary care, Ms Tai has led and collaborated on numerous studies covering diabetes outcomes, cardiovascular risk, insulin therapy, and anticoagulation. Her research has been shared at both national and international conferences, including the American Diabetes Association (ADA) Scientific Meeting 2017 and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) Conference 2019. She has also contributed to the development of national protocols and practice guidelines to strengthen pharmacist-led services in Malaysia. Her dedication has been recognized through multiple awards, including the Diabetes Icon Johor (2018), the National Research Mentorship Award (2024), and two Service Excellence Awards. She continues to champion pharmacist-led interventions and evidence-based care to improve patient outcomes in Malaysia’s primary healthcare system.