Description: Med Headlines - A study conducted in Cologne, Germany, concluded that pioglitazone (Actos) may lower the risk of serious cardiovascular events for diabetic patients who have kidney disease. The study, which is featured in the January issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, was conducted by Dr. Chistian A. Schneider of the University of Cologne.

Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life. The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles. There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

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