PHYSICIAN-REPORTED EXPERIENCE WITH DAPAGLIFLOZIN IN TYPE 2 DIABETES: EVIDENCE FROM SOUTHERN INDIA

Background:Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with microvascular and macrovascular complications, contributing substantially to the global disease burden. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world safety, efficacy,and prescribing patterns of dapagliflozin in T2DM managementto support tailored diabetes care. Methods: This questionnaire-based study included a 12-item questionnaire that evaluated physicians' perspectives and prescribing patterns related to dapagliflozin, with a specific focus on their last 10 patients with T2DM. Results: A total of 251 physicians from southern India participated. Nearly half (44.22%) reported initiating dapagliflozin in 3-5 of their last 10 elderly patients (≥65 years). Dapagliflozin was most commonly preferred for patients with CKD (28.69%), followed by those with poor glycemic control or cardiovascular disease (27.49%). Adherence was high with 62.55% noting that 9-10 patients continued therapy for at least six months, cost was the main reason for discontinuation (41.43%). Most physicians (37.45%) reported no major concerns in elderly patients. Among female patients, 0-2 out of 10 experienced urinary tract infections (52.99%). Nearly half (47.01%) felt their patients were very satisfied with dapagliflozin. Cardiovascular protection (33.07%) and glycemic control (29.08%) were the main reasons for prescribing, and metformin was the most common add-on therapy (59.36%). Physicians also reported glycemic efficacy comparable to other sodium-glucose co transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (42.23%) and cardiovascular benefits comparable to glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) receptor agonists (49.40%). Most (55.38%) expressed a high likelihood of prescribing it in the future. Conclusion: Physicians prefer dapagliflozin as an effective agent for both monotherapy and combination therapy in T2DM management.