What Is Pioglitazone Used For?

Pioglitazone as Part of 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 (see Diabetes Complications).

 

Any type 2 diabetes treatment begins with lifestyle changes. If lifestyle changes are not effective at managing diabetes, diabetes medication (such as pioglitazone) may be necessary. Some diabetes medications force the pancreas to produce more insulin (see Actos Alternatives). These medications are effective but can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Because pioglitazone does not force the pancreas to make more insulin, the risk of dangerously low blood sugar is low with pioglitazone (see Actos and Blood Sugar).

 

In some people, pioglitazone may need to be combined with other diabetes medicines. For example, if type 2 diabetes is untreated for a very long time, the pancreas may not be able to make insulin anymore. In these people, using pioglitazone alone will not be effective. These people will need to take insulin along with pioglitazone.

 

For more information about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices, click on any of the eMedTV links below:

 

Is Pioglitazone Used for Children?

Pioglitazone has been studied in children as young as 10 years old. However, there is not enough information to recommend the use of pioglitazone in children at this time. Talk to your healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using pioglitazone for type 2 diabetes in children.