What Is Pioglitazone and Metformin Used For? (Cont.)

Why Is Pioglitazone and Metformin Used for Diabetes Treatment?

The main goal of any diabetes treatment is to lower your blood sugar levels (as measured by your hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c]) enough to reduce your risk for developing problems related to diabetes.
 
Any type 2 diabetes treatment begins with lifestyle changes (weight loss, a diabetic diet, and exercise). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective at managing diabetes, medication (such as pioglitazone and metformin) may be necessary. Some diabetes drugs force the pancreas to produce more insulin (see Actoplus Met Alternatives). These medications are effective, but can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Because pioglitazone and metformin does not force the pancreas to make more insulin, the risk of dangerously low blood sugar with this medicine is low (see Actoplus Met and Blood Sugar).
 
In some people, pioglitazone and metformin may need to be combined with other diabetes medicines. For example, if type 2 diabetes is left untreated for a long time, the pancreas may not be able to make insulin anymore. In these people, using pioglitazone and metformin alone will not be effective, since the effects of the drug depend on the presence of insulin in the body. These people will need to take insulin along with pioglitazone and metformin.
 
For more information about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices, click any of the following eMedTV links:
 

Is Pioglitazone and Metformin Used for Diabetes Treatment in Children?

Pioglitazone and metformin has not been adequately studied in children, and there is not enough information available to recommend its use. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using pioglitazone and metformin for type 2 diabetes in children.
 
(What Is Pioglitazone and Metformin Used For? Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;