Expert opinion on the prescription practice of vildagliptin and its combinations in managing type 2 diabetes mellitus in Indian settings

Abstract

Background: The aim of the study was to gather expert opinion regarding the use of vildagliptin and its combinations in T2DM in Indian settings. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 24 questions and collected perspectives of experts across various clinical settings in India regarding the use of vildagliptin and its combinations for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in their clinical practice. Results: Among 195 participants, most clinicians (73%) advocated vildagliptin once-daily formulation for newly diagnosed young diabetics, elderly patients with long-standing diabetes, and those with uncontrolled diabetes as an add-on therapy. Around 92% favored vildagliptin for its weight-neutral nature, preservation of beta-cell function, minimal glycemic variation, and low risk of adverse effects. Most clinicians (66%) preferred initiating vildagliptin and metformin combination therapy in diabetic individuals aged 40 to 50 years, with 53% opting for it when HbA1c levels exceeded 8%. Approximately 83% favored this combination for young, elderly, and long-standing diabetic individuals. More than half (54%) of the clinicians preferred prescribing the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of vildagliptin and dapagliflozin to 11-25% of the patients. Conclusions: The survey underscored the effectiveness of vildagliptin and its combinations in managing T2DM. Clinicians widely endorsed vildagliptin once-daily formulation and vildagliptin and metformin therapy for diverse diabetic populations due to their efficacy and tolerability. They also advocated the use of vildagliptin and dapagliflozin therapy, especially in patients with specific comorbidities or higher HbA1c levels, citing its benefits in achieving better glycemic control and reducing disease progression.