Pioglitazone and 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 lowered their HgA1c by up to 0.9 percent on average, while people not taking pioglitazone increased the HbA1c by 0.7 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
heart disease,
diabetic retinopathy,
diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy. By getting blood sugar levels under control with pioglitazone, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing these
diabetes complications.
Pioglitazone and Fasting Blood Sugar
Fasting blood sugar is another way to study the effects of a
diabetes medication. In studies, people taking pioglitazone decreased their fasting blood sugar levels by 30 to 56 mg/dL, while people not taking pioglitazone increased their fasting blood sugar.
Other Pioglitazone Effects
When and How to Take Pioglitazone
Some general considerations for when and how to take pioglitazone include:
- Pioglitazone comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once daily.
- You can take pioglitazone with or without food. If pioglitazone bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Pioglitazone should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For pioglitazone to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Pioglitazone will not work if you stop taking it.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print