Metformin/pioglitazone is a combination of two diabetes medications that work in different ways.
Metformin belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides. This lowers your blood sugar levels by reducing the amount of glucose (sugar) made by your liver, lowering the amount of glucose your body absorbs, and increasing the effect of insulin on your body. Insulin is a hormone that helps your body removes extra sugar from your blood.
Pioglitazone belongs to a class of drugs called thiazolidinediones. It works by helping you respond better to the insulin that your body makes. It helps insulin take the glucose from your bloodstream and move it into the cells, where it’s used to make fuel or energy. This lowers your blood sugar levels.