Biodib (pioglitazone) is used to help manage blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes. Other antidiabetic medications may also be used along with Biodib, and lifestyle changes are strongly recommended. However, the medication will still provide some benefit when used on its own and without lifestyle changes.

The medication works by improving the function insulin already in the body. It also inhibits glucose production by the liver. Biodib does not increase the volume of insulin in the body, and should not be used in type 1 diabetes.

Effects of Biodib on patients below age 18 are unclear. Young patients should avoid this product unless explicitly advised by a doctor.

All patients who take Biodib will ideally commit to lifestyle changes and attend regular doctor checkups. A doctor can monitor the medication's effects more thoroughly than the average patient, as well as screen for developing complications either from Biodib or type 2 diabetes. Left undetected and untreated, some of these complications can become very severe.

Managing Diabetes

Biodib comes in tablets of 15 mg, 30 mg, or 45 mg strengths. Food is optional with each dose, though taking tablets on a full stomach may ease gastrointestinal side effects if experienced. A full glass of fluid is recommended with each dose.

Tablets are usually taken just once per day, though some patients---usually those taking other antidiabetic medications as well---divide the total daily dose into two or three smaller doses taken throughout each day. Treatment is nearly always long term, spanning years. Patients unable to address type 2 diabetes through lifestyle changes will most likely need to take Biodib or similar medications for the remainder of life.

Patients taking only Biodib typically:

• Start with 15 to 30 mg once per day.
• Dosage may be increased, if needed, in 15 mg increments up to 45 mg per day.
• Do not exceed 45 mg per day.

Patients with congestive heart failure:

• Start with 15 mg once per day.
• If well tolerated, and if needed, dosage may be increased up to 45 mg per day.
• Do not exceed 45 mg per day.

Patients taking other antidiabetic medications:

• Dosage should be determined by a doctor.
• Doses of other medications may also be modified if a patient starts taking Biodib.
• In some cases Biodib may be administered twice or thrice per day.
• Do not exceed 45 mg Biodib per day.

All patients should monitor blood sugar closely at the start of treatment or following any dosage adjustments to Biodib or other antidiabetic medication.

Biodib should start producing measurable results about two days after the first dose is taken, with maximum effect seen in about five days. These times may vary to some degree with dosage amount, however.

Lifestyle Modifications

Patients taking Biodib will almost certainly be advised to also make lifestyle changes, ranging from diet and exercise to quitting smoking and managing cholesterol levels. While this may sound difficult and intimidating---and granted, some aspects are---many aren't so bad; dietary changes can be small and gradual, exercise can start with just walking a few moments per day.

Of course more drastic changes are better as far as controlling blood glucose, and patients who can do so are encouraged to. Most patients, though, are very reluctant to dramatically alter their life all at once. Other patients have difficulty making changes, due to financial or physical limitations, among other factors. Any change at all is better than none, and making small, gradual changes often produces more permanent changes than a sudden dramatic change.

Those who make and maintain lifestyle changes will most likely eventually be able to end dependency on Biodib or other antidiabetic medications. Those who do not make sufficient changes will likely need to take antidiabetic medications for the remainder of life.

Adverse Reactions

Not everyone is the ideal candidate for Biodib. Be sure the prescribing doctor is aware if there is any history of or high risk of:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Congestive heart failure
• Liver impairment
• Bladder cancer
• Diabetes-related eye problems

The above don't necessarily rule out Biodib use, but they might---there are alternative treatments that may be less risky for some individuals.

Most side effects from Biodib in otherwise healthy patients are mild and not cause for concern unless severe or persistant past the first few weeks of treatment.

Unfortunately more rare, but more serious, side effects can also develop. Seek medical attention if experiencing:

• Blurry vision
• Pain in hands, feet, or arms
• Difficulty urinating
• Pink or red urine
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Edema

Other medications---including other antidiabetic medications---can interact with Biodib and cause potentially severe complications. Be sure the prescribing doctor is aware of all other medications being taken, and double-check with a doctor before adding, removing, or modifying dosage of any other medications.