Pioglitazone is a glucose-reducing drug in the class “thiazolidinediones” used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Manufactured by the Japanese company Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. for treatment of diabetes, pioglitazone has shown both promise and increased risks in the treatment of diabetes. Often called an insulin sensitizer, because it attaches itself to insulin receptors in the body, making cells more responsive to insulin. It also reduces insulin by reducing production and secretion of glucose into the body by the liver.

Pre Diabetes – Pioglitazone as Prevention

A study conducted by the Texas Diabetes Institute and University of Texas Health Science Center looked into the possibility of using pioglitazone as a preventative measure against type 2 diabetes in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. Using a test group of 602 people over two and a half years, individuals were given pioglitazone or a placebo to control blood glucose with quarterly fasting …