Use of Fixed Ratio Combinations to Improve Glycemic Control in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes: Experts’ Opinion from the Gulf Region

Sequential addition of oral glucose-lowering therapies, insulin or incretin-based therapy is often required to attain optimal glycemic control and reduce the risk of diabetes-associated complications. Despite advances in treatment, a large proportion of people with type 2 diabetes fail to achieve optimal glycemic control. Recent guidelines emphasize the need to commence injectable options in individuals unable to attain glycemic targets, despite maximal oral therapy. In individuals already on basal insulin, an improvement in glycemic control requires stepwise addition of prandial insulin, full basal-bolus insulin regimen, or additional injectable incretin-based therapy. However, concerns around weight gain and hypoglycemia often limit addition or increase in insulin to improve glycemic control. Treatment simplification i.e. a decrease in treatment complexity, particularly insulin therapy, seeks to alleviate treatment burden without compromising therapeutic efficacy and safety. However, currently there is a lack of guidance on simplifying treatment, particularly for individuals unable to attain glycemic targets. We now provide evidence-based treatment simplification strategies for people with diabetes in the Gulf Cooperation Council region.