Preferences and Prescription Practices for Managing Diabetes with a Special Reference to the Clinical Use of Sitagliptin in Indian Settings

Abstract

Background: Although there were several clinical studies regarding the effectiveness of sitagliptin, there were dearth of studies on the prescription patterns and practices among clinicians. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included 19 statements with multiple responses in a pretested questionnaire format to gather and understand the current prescription practices, clinical observation and preferences for managing diabetes with a special reference to the clinical use of sitagliptin in Indian settings. The survey respondents were specialists with expertise in managing diabetes. Results: According to 49% of clinicians, the preferred drug combination for managing diabetes with hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C) levels >9% is dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors (DPP4i) + metformin + glimepiride. The majority of clinicians (89.92%) recommended sitagliptin as the preferred gliptin for cardiovascular (CV) protection in diabetic patients. Approximately 38% of clinicians considered established cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT) and CV benefits as decisive factors in prescribing sitagliptin as a first- or second-line therapy for diabetic patients. Around 72% of clinicians preferred sitagliptin + dapagliflozin as an oral antidiabetic (OAD) combination for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Approximately 42% of respondents reported sitagliptin + metformin as the preferred OAD combination, prescribed as a single pill, for uncontrolled T2DM patients with HbA1c levels >8%. Conclusion: The study highlighted the prescription trends favoring sitagliptin-based therapies in the management of diabetes, with potential cardiovascular benefits and as first- or second-line OAD therapy. The respondents also emphasized the significance of personalized approaches, such as the sitagliptin + dapagliflozin combination, for T2DM patients with CKD.