Glitazones and Endothelial Function (GATE)

Inclusion Criteria: All patients (both men and women) considered for participation in GATE study have to be non-insulin dependent diabetics (according to Canadian Diabetes Association criteria, namely a fasting serum glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L on two occasions, a casual glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/l with symptoms, or a 2-h post-oral glucose tolerance test glucose of ≥ 11.1 mmol/l) with unsatisfactory glycemic control on oral therapy (HbA1c 6-10%). Exclusion Criteria: Exclusion criteria includes, congestive heart failure (NYHA class III & IV or ejection fraction less than 35%), poorly controlled hypertension (blood pressure > 160/90), hypercholesterolemia (total cholesterol > 6.2 mmol/l), hypertriglyceridemia (triglycerides > 4.0 mmol/l), poor or excellent control of DM (HgA1c <6 % or HbA1c > 10% respectively), known diabetic retinopathy, age at diagnosis of diabetes less than 25 years, current participation in another clinical trial and contraindications to glitazones therapy, including renal (creatinine > 200 micromol/ L) or hepatic (ALT > 2.5 times the upper limit of normal) impairment and/ or known intolerance to glitazones. Patients must be stable on medications that affect endothelial function for more than one month. This includes ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, statins, calcium channel blockers, hormone replacement therapy and anti-oxidant vitamins, including folates. Patients on insulin will be excluded. Patients in whom it is felt that attainment of better glucose control is required within 3 months will also be excluded. Patients with stable coronary disease will be eligible for the study as long as they are > one month post myocardial infarction, percutaneous intervention or bypass surgery.