Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes by Patient Profile in the Clinical Practice of Endocrinology in Spain: Delphi Study Results from the Think Twice Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this Delphi study is to unveil the management of patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and different levels of complexity in the clinical practice in Spain. METHODS: Based on the common management practices of T2D profiles reported by Spanish endocrinologists, a Delphi questionnaire of 55 statements was developed and responded to by a national panel (n = 101). RESULTS: A consensus was reached for 30 of the 55 statements. Regarding overweight patients inadequately controlled with metformin, treatment with a sodium-glucose transport protein 2 inhibitor (SGLT2-I) is preferred over treatment with a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4-I). If the patient is already being treated with a DPP4-I, an SGLT2-I is added on to the treatment regimen rather than replacing the DPP4-I. Conversely, if the treatment regimen includes a sulfonylurea, it is usually replaced by other antihyperglycemic agents. Current treatment trends in uncontrolled obese patients include the addition of an SGLT2-I or a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1-RA) to background therapy. When the glycated hemoglobin target is not reached, triple therapy with metformin + GLP1-RA + SGLT2-I is initiated. Although SGLT2-Is are the treatment of choice in patients with T2D and heart failure or uncontrolled hypertension, no consensus was reached regarding the preferential use of SGLT2-Is or GLP1-RAs in patients with established cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: Consensus has been reached for a variety of statements regarding the management of several T2D profiles. Achieving a more homogeneous management of complex patients with T2D may require further evidence and a better understanding of the key drivers for treatment choice. FUNDING: Logistic support was provided by ESTEVE Pharmaceuticals S.A Spain.