Effect of Pioglitazone as Additional Therapy on Glycaemic Control

Abstract

Background: Many studies have shown benefits of tight glycaemic control in Diabetes Mellitus. This study was conducted to know the effect of pioglitazone as additional therapy on glycaemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Material and Methods: It was a prospective, double blind, placebo controlled study, conducted at Rauf Medical Center, D.I.Khan, from March 11, 2005 to January 10, 2008. Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who were taking oral anti-diabetics other than glitazone, with poor glycaemic control were included. Pioglitazone was added to their treatment and followed for three months with fasting blood glucose every month and HbA1C at three months. Student t test was applied to compare the results.

Results: Forty-four patients were initially included and randomly assigned to receive pioglitazone (n=30) or placebo (n=14) for three months. Seven patients dropped out. In the remaining 36 patients, the mean fasting blood glucose on presentation was 216.71+48.81mg/dl and HbA1C 10.05+1.81% in experimental as compared to placebo group 197.75+52.92mg/dl and 10.20+1.42% respectively. After three months, mean fasting blood glucose was 168.71+58.66mg/dl and HbA1c 9.10+0.43% in pioglitazone group and 211+39.47 mg/dl and 9.42+1.83% respectively in placebo group. The drop in fasting blood glucose was statistically not significant (p>0.05) but that in HbAIC was significant (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Addition of pioglitazone to oral anti-diabetic therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus improves the glycaemic control.