Effect of pioglitazone on proteinuria and cardiovascular events in patients with diabetic nephropathy

Introduction: Slowing the progression of diabetes to DN has established a great deal of interest in recent years. Objectives: Considering the enormous costs of managing patients with diabetes and the lack of similar studies on the Iranian population, the present study aimed at investigating the effect of pioglitazone on the progression of DN and the prevalence of cardiovascular events. Patients and Methods: The present prospective study was undertaken on 55 patients with type 2 diabetes who were divided into two groups. The group 1 patients received 30 mg of pioglitazone daily in addition to other blood sugar-controlling drugs. Patients in the group 2 recieved other anti-diabetic medications. During a six-month follow-up period, proteinuria and the occurrence of cardiovascular events were assessed. Results: The 24-hour urinary proteinuria decreased within the group 1 and these intragroup differences were significant (P < 0.001) during six months of follow-up compared to month two. There was no significant difference in the ratio of cardiovascular events in the group 1 compared to the group 2. Conclusion: Adding 30 mg of pioglitazone to other blood sugar-lowering medications could lower proteinuria in individuals with type 2 diabetes; however, it had no impact on the risk of cardiovascular events.