Pioglitazone is a forgotten hypoglycemic drug with proven cardioprotective and nephroprotective properties

Considering that type 2 diabetes mellitus is a multicomponent disease and is associated with an extremely high risk of macrovascular complications (myocardial infarction, stroke and death from cardiovascular diseases), at present, much attention is paid to the choice of hypoglycemic drugs, given the individual characteristics of the patient. Preference is given to drugs of those classes that have a positive effect on cardiovascular outcomes. Along with relatively new molecules (inhibitors of the sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 and agonists of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors), the well-known drug pioglitazone, which belongs to the thiazolidinediones group, has not left the field of attention of researchers. Importantly, the cardioprotective effect of pioglitazone has been confirmed in several large randomized trials that showed a delay in atherosclerosis and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (PERISCOPE, CHICAGO, IRIS and PROactive). As an insulin sensitizer, pioglitazone reduces insulin resistance, has a protective effect on pancreatic 0-cells, and also has a beneficial effect on components of insulin resistance syndrome (lowers blood pressure, lipid spectrum parameters) and improves the course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. There is evidence of possible side effects (weight gain, fluid retention, fractures), but their severity decreases with decreasing dose of the drug.

type 2 diabetes mellitus, pioglitazone, thiazolidinediones, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, cardiovascular diseases