Effects of Pioglitazone and Metformin
Pioglitazone and Metformin: Hemoglobin A1c
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) is a test used to measure long-term blood sugar control. For people without
diabetes, HbA1c results are usually less than 6 percent, while people with diabetes usually have higher results. In one study, people taking pioglitazone and metformin lowered their HbA1c by up to 0.64 percent on average, while people taking metformin alone increased their HbA1c by 0.19 percent.
Studies have shown that the higher the HbA1c, the greater the chance for developing long-term problems related to diabetes. This includes such problems as:
By getting blood sugar levels under control with pioglitazone and metformin, it may be possible to decrease the chances of developing these
diabetes complications.
Pioglitazone and Metformin: Fasting Blood Sugar
Fasting blood sugar is another way to study the effects of
diabetes drugs. In studies, people taking pioglitazone and metformin decreased their fasting blood sugar levels by 42.8 mg/dL, while people taking metformin alone lowered their fasting blood sugar levels by only 5.2 mg/dL.
When and How to Take Pioglitazone and Metformin
General considerations for when and how to take pioglitazone and metformin include the following:
- Pioglitazone and metformin comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth, usually once or twice daily.
- It is best to try to take pioglitazone and metformin with food in order to prevent stomach upset.
- Pioglitazone and metformin should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For pioglitazone and metformin to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
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