Risk management in the treatment of type 2 diabetes with pioglitazone

Review

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Authors: Giuseppe Derosa, Sibilla AT Salvadeo

Published Date July 2009 Volume 2009:2 Pages 51 - 60

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/DMSO.S3950

Giuseppe Derosa, Sibilla AT Salvadeo

Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors. Insulin-resistance represents the common mechanism that leads to type 2 diabetes in obese subjects. Pioglitazone is an insulin-sensitizing agent available for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Large clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of pioglitazone in achieving metabolic control and reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.

Aim: The purpose of this article is to review the effectiveness and tolerability of pioglitazone in the prevention and management of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Evidence review: We reviewed the main monotherapy and comparative studies of pioglitazone, and particularly the recent evidence in the field of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular prevention.

Place in therapy: The current evidence shows that pioglitazone is an effective option in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. More studies are needed to establish a role for pioglitazone in atherosclerosis prevention beyond glycemic control.

Keywords: pioglitazone, diabetes mellitus, glycated hemoglobin, cardiovascular prevention

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