Giuseppe Derosa and Sibilla Anna Teresa Salvadeo

Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Italy.

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to review the effectiveness and tolerability of pioglitazone and glimepiride combination treatment for type 2 diabetes, particularly in the context of metabolic control and cardiovascular prevention. We reviewed studies of pioglitazone and glimepiride combination treatment through literature in the internet based Medline. The search was conducted using the search terms pioglitazone, glimepiride, glycemic control, combination therapy, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The current evidence shows that pioglitazone in association with glimepiride is an effective option in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Fixed dose combination permits a better compliance to therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes. More studies are needed to establish a role of pioglitazone and glimepiride in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular prevention beyond glycemic control.