Expert Consensus and Physician Perspectives on a Low-dose Triple Fixed-dose Combination for Type 2 Diabetes in India

BACKGROUND: Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs), particularly sulfonylurea-based triple therapies, play a central role in managing type 2 diabetes in India. With growing focus on safety and personalization, lower-dose alternatives are gaining attention, especially for early-stage and vulnerable patients. OBJECTIVE: To obtain expert consensus from Indian physicians on the clinical relevance, preferred patient profiles, and prescribing intent for a low-dose triple FDC comprising glimepiride 0.5 mg, metformin 500 mg sustained-release (SR), and voglibose 0.2 mg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured cross-sectional survey was conducted among 112 physicians from metro and nonmetro regions of India. The survey used close- and open-ended questions to explore the need, clinical positioning, and use scenarios for this low-dose triple combination. Responses were analyzed and synthesized into expert consensus per the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine (OCEBM) framework (Level V evidence). RESULTS: Most physicians (86.6%) supported the need for this combination. Common use cases included early-stage diabetes, elderly patients, and those with postprandial hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia risk. It was also preferred for step-up therapy and deintensification with agents, such as SGLT2 inhibitors or insulin (77.7%). Advantages cited included improved safety, simplified dosing, and affordability. CONCLUSION: Expert consensus affirms this FDC's clinical relevance across multiple diabetes stages. Further real-world evidence and outcome-driven studies are warranted to support broader clinical integration and guideline inclusion.