Type 2 diabetes is an epidemic. Its long-term consequences translate into enormous human
suffering and economic costs; however, much of the morbidity associated with long-term
microvascular and neuropathic complications can be substantially reduced by interventions
that achieve glucose levels close to the nondiabetic range. However, none of the recent
intervention studies has demonstrated a benefit of intensive glycemic control on their
primary CVD outcomes.
The investigators report the findings of a long-term randomized and comparator-controlled
clinical trial conducted in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The investigators
compared the effect of pioglitazone with that of metformin on circulating endothelial
cell-derived submicroscopic membranous vesicles, termed microparticles: because of their
putative role in inflammatory processes and their ability to directly affect endothelial
functions, they are gaining increasing popularity as a surrogate marker of cardiovascular
outlook. Metformin was chosen as a comparator because the American Diabetes Association
recommendations suggest to start therapy in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetic subjects
combining a drug (metformin) with lifestyle changes. Moreover, the mechanism of action of
pioglitazone is distinct from that of metformin.
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Second University of Naples University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli"