Endocrine System Channel
Related Channels

What Is Pioglitazone and Glimepiride Used For?

Pioglitazone and Glimepiride Uses for Type 1 Diabetes

Most people make insulin in their pancreas, including those with type 2 diabetes. However, if a person has type 1 diabetes, his or her body does not make insulin (or not enough to control blood sugar levels). Pioglitazone and glimepiride causes the cells inside the pancreas to make more insulin. However, if insulin-producing cells do not work, such as is the case with type 1 diabetes, pioglitazone and glimepiride will have little effect. This is why the combination medicine is not used to treat type 1 diabetes. Instead, a person with type 1 diabetes needs to take insulin medication.

Why Is Pioglitazone and Glimepiride Used for Diabetes Treatment?

Any type 2 diabetes treatment begins with lifestyle changes (weight loss, a diabetic diet, and exercise). If lifestyle changes alone are not effective in managing diabetes, medication (such as pioglitazone and glimepiride) may be necessary. Some diabetes drugs force the pancreas to produce more insulin (see Duetact Alternatives). These medications are effective, but can cause dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Pioglitazone and glimepiride contains one of these medications (glimepiride) that is more likely to cause low blood sugar (see Duetact and Blood Sugar).
In some people, pioglitazone and glimepiride may need to be combined with other diabetes medicines. For example, if type 2 diabetes is untreated for a very long time, the pancreas may not be able to make enough insulin anymore, even with the help of pioglitazone and glimepiride. These people will need to take insulin along with pioglitazone and glimepiride (or another combination diabetes medication).
To learn about controlling diabetes through lifestyle choices, click any of the following eMedTV links:
7 Signs of High Blood Sugar

Pioglitazone and Glimepiride Info

Terms of Use
Advertise with Us
Contact Us
About eMedTV
Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2006-2018 Clinaero, Inc.