Abstract
Type 2 diabetes is a rapidly growing disorder that affects millions of Americans. It usually results from a combination of insulin resistance and a β-cell secretory defect leading to hyperglycemia and microvascular and macrovascular complications, including cardiovascular disease. With the increasing number of options available for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, it can be difficult to determine which medication to prescribe for each patient. Ideally, an agent that effectively lowers glucose concentrations while also minimizing disease progression should be chosen. The thiazolidinediones (TZDs), a relatively newer class of antidiabetic agents, have been shown to be efficacious in lowering glucose concentrations, maintaining glycemic control, and improving other cardiovascular risk factors. These include reduction of visceral adiposity, alteration of lipoprotein concentrations with a favorable distribution of cholesterol subfractions, and decreasing markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. Overall, the TZDs appear to be a promising therapeutic option for consistent control of glucose levels and may slow the progression of type 2 diabetes.
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