Expert Consensus Statement on Simplified Glycemic Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Diabetology
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) presents a significant and growing health burden in India.
• Complex treatment regimens and associated economic/psychological impacts necessitate simplified management strategies.
• Existing approaches often face challenges with patient adherence and treatment inertia within the Indian healthcare context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide evidence-based recommendations for streamlined glycemic management in T2D tailored for the Indian population.
• To enhance treatment adherence, minimize pill burden, and improve clinical outcomes through a patient-centered approach.
• To address the multifaceted challenges of T2D management, including comorbidities and healthcare access barriers in India.

Main Methods:

• An expert consensus document developed through eight advisory board meetings.
• Review of current evidence by endocrinologists and diabetologists.
• Generation of practical strategies focusing on pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions.

Main Results:

• Emphasis on early use of combination therapies, including sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.
• Advocacy for fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) to improve adherence and cost-effectiveness.
• Integration of lifestyle interventions (medical nutrition therapy, physical activity, sleep hygiene) and management of comorbidities.

Conclusions:

• A simplified, integrative care model is crucial for effective T2D management in India.
• Implementing these recommendations can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the socioeconomic burden of T2D.
• Addressing barriers like limited access and treatment inertia is key to successful T2D care delivery.