Type 2 Diabetes MedicationsThiazolidinediones – A Type 2 Diabetes Medication
(THIGH-ah-ZO-li-deen-DYE-owns) is a Type 2 diabetes oral medication that makes the body more sensitive to its own insulin. However, they do not cause the pancreas to produce more insulin.This class of oral medication has some major side effects especially swelling and heart failure.
There are three main types of Thiazolidinediones, including Actos, Avandia, and Avadamet. Actos is proven to help lower 
high cholesterol,
reduce triglyceride fat, and increase high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
Avandia is shown to increase HDL and low-density lipoproteins (LDL). A
major difference between Actos and Avandia is that Actos may interact
with other medications, including birth control pills.
Thiazolidinediones do not necessarily lower blood sugar levels and
should be used only when other oral medications have failed to lower
blood sugar levels. As such, Thiazolidinediones are generally used in
conjunction with other oral medication.
- Side Effects of Thiazolidinediones (THIGH-ah-ZO-li-deen-DYE-owns)
- Upper respiratory infections & sinusitis
- Headaches
- Anemia
- Retention of fluid in the body
- Weight gain
- Muscle pain
- Heart failure (caused by retention of fluids)
Avandia (rosiglitazone) is under investigation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for causing 307 deaths from heart attacks in 2009. This controversy of heart attacks linked to Avandia began in 2000. Canadian researchers claimed that Avandia appeared to cause heart attacks in a number of patients. However, GlaxoSmithKline the manufacturer of Avandia said that heart attack related side effects was not seen in their clinical trials. This appears to have been a lie. Currently, the FDA is digging deeper to find out when did GlaxoSmithKline know that use of their product lead to heart failure. Most diabetes health care organizations have indicated that thiazolidinediones like Avandia, “can cause side effects such as swelling (edema) and weight gain that may lead to or worsen heart failure; require close monitoring for liver problems, and may lessen the effects of birth control pills.”
Class action lawsuits have been filed in the 1990s.
Talk to your doctor about whether you should remain on this medication.
Exercise is a Safe Way To Reduce Your Blood Sugar!
