Effect of Pioglitazone on the Course of New Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Effect of Pioglitazone on the Course of New Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

A study to examine the effect of pioglitazone on the course of new onset type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Thiazolidinediones have been shown to reduce the development of diabetes mellitus in animal models of type 1 diabetes and to reduce the death of beta cells (cells that make insulin) in petri dishes. Pioglitazone is a thiazolidinedione currently approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This study explores the question of whether pioglitazone can preserve beta cell function in patients with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus diagnosed within 4 months
• Age > 6 years of age
• Ability to swallow capsule
• Signed informed consent / assent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other illnesses