Pioglitazone/metformin, sold under the brand name Actoplus Met among others, is a fixed-dose combination anti-diabetic medication used to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.[2] It contains pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione, and metformin, a biguanide.[3]
Mechanisms
- Pioglitazone is a member of the thiazolidinedione class, it decreases insulin resistance in the periphery and in the liver resulting in increased insulin dependent glucose disposal and decreased hepatic glucose output.
- Metformin is a member of the biguanide class, improves glucose tolerance in patients with type 2 diabetes, lowering both basal and postprandial plasma glucose. Metformin decreases hepatic glucose production, decreases intestinal absorption of glucose and improves insulin sensitivity by increasing peripheral glucose uptake and utilization.