TZDs, or thiazolidinediones, work by increasing the muscles cells sensitivity to insulin. Resistance to the action of insulin, or insulin resistance, significantly contributes to high blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. TZDs help to sensitize the cells to insulin to allow circulating glucose levels to attempt to normalize.
Help improve this article. Become a contributor!
Medication that helps the cells become more sensitive to insulin:
Rosiglitazone - Avandia
Pioglitazone- Actos
There is intense debate today regarding the safety of Avandia. The FDA has chosen to keep it on the market inspite of research pointing to increase risk of heart attack, stroke and heart disease related death in studies.
