Clinicians’ Insights into Patient Adherence and Compliance with Small-sized Metformin–Glimepiride Tablets: Results from a Compact Survey

Abstract Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a major global health burden, driven by genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) are central to improving glycemic control through better adherence and complementary mechanisms of action. Tablet size, often overlooked, can significantly affect adherence, particularly in patients with dysphagia or those on multiple medications. Aims: This study aims to assess clinicians’ perspectives on the real-world effectiveness, adherence, and tolerability of a modified, smaller-sized Metformin–Glimepiride FDC tablet in T2DM management. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational survey was conducted among 500 clinicians across India, including endocrinologists, diabetologists, and physicians. A structured questionnaire evaluated five domains: glycemic control, patient compliance, swallowing ease, overall adherence, and satisfaction. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis, with Microsoft Excel 2024 used for graphical representation. Results: Among 500 clinicians, 95.0% rated the smaller-sized FDC as “effective” in glycemic control. About 96.6% reported a significant improvement in patient compliance due to the compact tablet. In patients with swallowing difficulties, 99.2% perceived a positive impact on adherence. Patient satisfaction also correlated strongly, with 98.4% acknowledging greater acceptance due to easier swallowability. Enhanced adherence (60.4%), improved glycemic control (38.8%), and ease of swallowing (38.8%) were cited as key clinical benefits. Perceived glycated hemoglobin reductions of 0.11%–0.2% were most commonly observed by clinicians (49.6%). Conclusion: This real-world survey highlights that the smaller-sized Metformin–Glimepiride FDC tablet significantly enhances adherence, satisfaction, and glycemic control, particularly benefiting elderly patients and those with swallowing issues, representing a practical improvement in T2DM therapy.