Thiazolidinedione
Thiazolidinediones work to treat diabetes by increasing
the efficiency of the insulin naturally produced by the body. This class
of drugs enhances sensitivity in muscle and adipose tissue and by inhibiting
hepatic glucose production. The specific method of function is the binding
to the PPAR-gamma intracellular receptors, leading to heterodimer formation
with the retinoid X receptor.
Although this class of drugs seemed to be working well
with most patients, liver toxicity was reported in a small number of patients
so the drug was taken off the market. Despite this obvious side effect,
this drug was more effective at avoiding another common side effect of
oral diabetic medication, hypoglycemia.