Vol. 6, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

Objective: The current survey-based study aims to gather expert opinion regarding the use of a triple combination of voglibose, glimepiride, and metformin for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Indian settings.
Methodology: The cross-sectional survey utilized a 24-item, multiple-response questionnaire to gather expert opinions from specialists with expertise in managing diabetes. The survey encompassed questions about current prescription practices, clinical observations, preferences, and experiences related to using voglibose + glimepiride + metformin in routine settings for diabetes management.
Results: Majority of clinicians (92.49%) indicated that the combination therapy of voglibose, glimepiride, and metformin effectively addressed all aspects of the glycemic hexad, including fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, nocturnal hypoglycemia, glycemic variability, and hypoglycemia. About 76% of clinicians preferred the voglibose triple-drug fixed-dose combination (FDC) over bolus insulin for managing post-meal hyperglycemia. According to 57% of clinicians, approximately 11 to 20% of diabetic patients were prescribed voglibose + glimepiride + metformin triple-drug FDC therapy for postprandial glucose and HbA1c (PGA1c) management. With voglibose + glimepiride + metformin FDC therapy, nearly 45% of clinicians reported observing a weight reduction of around 2 to 3 kg in patients. Approximately 61% of clinicians recommended voglibose + glimepiride + metformin triple-drug FDC therapy for diabetic patients with high PGA1c levels.
Conclusion: The survey findings underscored the effectiveness of voglibose, glimepiride, and metformin combination therapy in managing all aspects of the glycemic hexad. The experts favored the voglibose triple-drug FDC over bolus insulin for managing post-meal hyperglycemia. They also recommended voglibose + glimepiride + metformin triple-drug FDC therapy for diabetic patients with high PGA1c levels, indicating its potential as a preferred treatment option.