Thiazolidinediones (TZDs / Glitazones)

Thiazolidinediones (TZDs / Glitazones) work by making your body more sensitive to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. They do this by activating a specific protein inside your cells called PPAR-gamma (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor gamma). When activated, PPAR-gamma helps your body's fat cells, muscle cells, and liver cells use insulin better to take sugar out of your blood. This action helps to lower high blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

This class of drugs is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. They are often prescribed when diet, exercise, and other diabetes medications haven't been enough to control blood sugar. TZDs can be used alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines. They are particularly helpful for patients who have insulin resistance, meaning their body doesn't respond well to its own insulin.

Common side effects include weight gain, swelling (fluid retention), and headache. More serious side effects can include heart failure, which is a black box warning for these drugs, and an increased risk of bone fractures. There might also be a higher risk of bladder cancer with long-term use of some medications in this class, so it's important to discuss all risks with your doctor.