Abstract
Aims/hypothesis Intra-abdominal fat (IAF) and inflammatory markers are correlated with cardio-vascular risk. We compared the impact of bed-time insulin versus pioglitazone treatment on these parameters in type 2 diabetic (T2D) patients. Methods Twenty-eight T2D patients poorly controlled with metformin and sulfonylurea were randomized to receive add-on therapy with pioglitazone or bed-time NPH insulin. IAF and subcutaneous fat (SCF) content, systemic low-grade inflammation level and expression of inflammation related genes in SCF, were measured before and after 24 weeks of treatment. Results Insulin and pioglitazone resulted in a significant decrease in HbA1c (−1.6% and −1.2%, respectively) and a significant increase in total body fat mass (1 ± 2.3 and 3.3 ± 2.7 kg, respectively). There was no change in IAF content after both treatments whereas significant increase in SCF content was only seen after pioglitazone treatment ( p < 0.05 versus insulin). hsCRP level decreased after pioglitazone and ferritin level decreased after insulin treatment. No change in mRNA expression of inflammation related genes was found after either treatment. Conclusion/interpretation This suggests that a 24-week treatment with pioglitazone or bed-time insulin has a similar impact on intra-abdominal fat mass and systemic low-grade inflammation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
