Thiazolidinediones (also called glitazones) are a class of medicines that may be used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They are a type of oral hypoglycemic (a medicine that lowers blood glucose levels).
Thiazolidinediones bind to a receptor called the peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma in adipocytes (fat cells) and promote maturation of fat cells and deposition of fat into peripheral tissues. By reducing circulating fat concentrations, thiazolidinediones improve a person with type 2 diabetes' sensitivity to insulin.
Thiazolidinediones may be used as monotherapy or in combination with other oral agents for type 2 diabetes, such as metformin or sulphonylureas. Weight gain and an increase in peripheral fat mass is a side effect of thiazolidinediones.
