Objective:To investigate the change of carotid intima-media thickness(CIMT) in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetic in response to pioglitazone and to analyse a possible mechanism of anti-atherosclerosis effects of pioglitazone.Method:Sixty-two newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients were randomly enrolled into treatment group with pioglitazone and control group.The CIMT and some relative biochemical indicators were measured.Results:After treatment with pioglitazone

the CIMT

fasting plasma glucose(FPG)

hemoglobin A1c(HbA1c)

fasting insulin(FINS)

high sensitive C reactive protein(hsCRP) and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) decreased significantly(P<0.01).Most data had no marked changes in the control group(P>0.05) but that the concentration of FPG and HbA1c were markedly lower than those before management(P<0.01).Conclusion:Pioglitazone slowed progression of CIMT in the newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients.Pioglitazone maybe delay the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis via the decreased insulin resistance and anti-inflammation actions.