Effect of pioglitazone on heart function and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide levels of patients with type 2 diabetes

We assessed the effect of the addition of pioglitazone on metabolic control and heart function of patients with type 2 diabetes already receiving sulfonylurea plus metformin. Forty-four patients were given 30 mg of pioglitazone for 3 months. Physical examination, laboratory tests including N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and echocardiography, were performed at baseline and at study completion. Target HbA 1c levels were achieved by 44.2% of the patients. Pioglitazone ameliorated lipid profile and lowered liver enzymes and C-reactive protein. Significant increases in NT-proBNP by 39% ( P