For treatment of type 2 diabetes, Glitazones are a class of drugs that improves the body’s insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance is believed to be one of the main reasons for high blood sugar found in type 2 diabetics. Two preparations of these types of drugs are rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos). There are also drugs that combine each with metformin (Actoplus Met and Avandamet), and one that combines pioglitazone and the diabetes drug glimepiride (Duetact). Troglitazone (Rezulin) was another of the ‘diabetes glitazones’ used in the 1990s, but was taken off the market in 2000, due to the risk of hepatitis and liver damage.
Glitazones: Risks and Side Effects
In addition to the risk of liver damage, some people may experience a loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, there may be eye discoloration, or darker than average urine. The drug may also cause the body to retain fluid, which can lead to weight gain. This can then aggravate heart issues, and people are advised not to take a glitazone medication if they have or are at risk of heart failure. Another possible side effect may be fatigue. Of most importance for those with diabetes, glitazones were originally not approved for use with insulin, because of those risks just mentioned, of fluid retention and heart failure. Even though the drug is now approved to be taken with insulin, in January 2011, the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) in the UK issued a warning that pioglitazone was found to increase the risk of cardiac failure (as well as weight gain and abnormal swelling) when combined with insulin. It is not for use by those with type 1 diabetes, or women who are pregnant. In 2009, ScienceDaily (http://www.sciencedaily.com) reported that other possible glitazone side effects were edema, heart failure, and bone fractures. They concluded that the drugs have not been sufficiently investigated, and that long-term studies outlining benefits and risks are limited. Cases of cardiac arrest and increased incidence of bladder cancer have been reported with Avandia and Actos, both used for treatment of diabetes. Glitazones are frequently named in lawsuits and settlements.
Glitazones: Alternative Treatments
In addition to the risks already mentioned, current research is underway to examine “cascading effects” of diabetes glitazones. These drugs act to “open up” specific cell receptors that receive instructions to carry out particular functions. However, this action affects other genes and proteins in the body, with the end result on other body systems as yet unknown. As there is so much risk involved, it is much safer to go with healthier glitazone alternatives, highly recommended for type 2 diabetes sufferers – a sensible diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats, and daily exercise.
