Each medical records and computerized pharmacy
records were reviewed before and after the first oral
bitter melon prescription was filled through discontinuation.
Demographic data, blood sugar levels before and after using
bitter melon, other laboratory values, dosage regimen of
bitter melon prescribing, hypoglycemic drugs and other drug
used, and co-morbid diseases were collected. Adherence to
the prescribed regimens were evaluated indirectly from
the patientûs medical records. If there was a note, çtook all
medications perfectly,é or no record of poor compliance such
as çhad left over medicationsé or çdid not take medications
as ordered,é the patients were assumed to exhibit good drug
adherence. Safety of the herb was determined by reviewing