*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

About Pioglitazone

NHS medicines information on pioglitazone - what it's used for and key facts.

Pioglitazone is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body does not make enough insulin, or the insulin that it makes does not work properly. This can cause high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia).

Pioglitazone helps to control your blood sugar levels by helping your body make better use of the insulin it produces.

Pioglitazone is only available on prescription. It comes as tablets.

It also comes as tablets containing a mixture of pioglitazone and another diabetes medicine called metformin. This is known by the brand name Competact.

Key facts

You'll usually take pioglitazone once a day. You can take it with or without food.
Pioglitazone takes a few weeks to lower your blood sugar levels. You may not feel any different if you do not have symptoms from your diabetes, but it's important to keep taking it.
After 3 to 6 months, your doctor will check your blood sugar levels to see if pioglitazone is working for you.
Some people find they put on weight when taking pioglitazone. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise can help with this.
If you have diabetes, you're entitled to free prescriptions for all of your medicines, not just your diabetes ones.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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