The glitazones: a new treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus

The glitazones are a new class of anti-diabetic drugs that act by improving sensitivity to insulin and are indicated in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The glitazones have effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism and hold the promise of being able to influence the many components of the insulin resistance syndrome seen in type 2 diabetes. It is possible that the glitazones may be able to prevent or delay the cardiovascular disease which accompanies type 2 diabetes, long-term studies are required to determine if this is the case. In addition to drug treatment patients with type 2 diabetes should be strongly encouraged to make life style changes which will improve glycaemic control such as weight reduction and increase exercise.