Avandia Diabetes Medication

In September 2010, the U.

S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it would be severely restricting the use of Avandia, due to the risk of "cardiovascular events" such as heart attacks and strokes. Only individuals who cannot control their diabetes on other medications (or those who are already taking the medication and doing well) will be able to take Avandia.

As a prescription diabetes medication, Avandia^®(rosiglitazone maleate) can be used by itself or in combination with other medications to treat type 2 diabetes (also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes).

As part of a group of diabetes medications called thiazolidinediones (or sometimes called "glitazones"), Avandia works by improving insulin sensitivity. This means that it helps your body use its natural insulin better, which, in turn, helps to lower blood sugar and keep it under better control.

Studies have shown that by getting blood sugar levels under control with Avandia, it may be possible to decrease the chances for developing diabetes complications, such as heart disease, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, and diabetic nephropathy.

Fasting blood sugar is another way to study the effects of a diabetes medication. Avandia has been shown to decrease fasting blood sugar levels by 25 to 55 mg/dL.

(Click Avandia for more information on this diabetes medication. This article also discusses the effectiveness of Avandia, possible side effects, and safety precautions to review with your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.)