PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Clare Taylor AU - FD Richard Hobbs TI - Type 2 diabetes, thiazolidinediones, and cardiovascular risk AID - 10.3399/bjgp09X453440 DP - 2009 Jul 01 TA - British Journal of General Practice PG - 520--524 VI - 59 IP - 564 4099 - http://bjgp.org/content/59/564/520.short 4100 - http://bjgp.org/content/59/564/520.full SO - Br J Gen Pract2009 Jul 01; 59 AB - Type 2 diabetes is a common disorder with an increased risk of macrovascular complications. Achieving adequate glycaemic control is an important aim of therapy. Thiazolidinediones, or glitazones, have been used for the treatment of diabetes for a decade. Rosiglitazone and pioglitazone are currently available, however recent concerns around cardiovascular safety have led to restrictions on their use. Initial trials showed treatments with glitazones improved glycaemic control, however long-term outcomes such as cardiovascular events were not measured. Evidence from more recent trials suggests rosiglitazone is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and both glitazones are associated with higher rates of heart failure. This article discusses the evidence behind these concerns and the most recent guidance on use of thiazolidinediones in clinical practice.