title: Risk management in the treatment of type 2 diabetes with pioglitazone.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Type 2 diabetes mellitus is one of the most important cardiovascular risk factors. Insulin-resistance represents the common mechanism that leads to type 2 diabetes in obese subjects. Pioglitazone is an insulin-sensitizing agent available for treatment of type 2 diabetes. Large clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of pioglitazone in achieving metabolic control and reducing cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this article is to review the effectiveness and tolerability of pioglitazone in the prevention and management of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed the main monotherapy and comparative studies of pioglitazone, and particularly the recent evidence in the field of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular prevention.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The current evidence shows that pioglitazone is an effective option in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. More studies are needed to establish a role for pioglitazone in atherosclerosis prevention beyond glycemic control.
authors: Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
authors: Giuseppe
authors: G
authors: Derosa
authors: Sibilla At
authors: SA
authors: Salvadeo