Testing a lower dose of diabetes medication for liver disease

This trial is testing pioglitazone, a diabetes medication, at a lower dose than typically used to see if it can safely help people with both type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). Researchers already know the medication works at higher doses, but they want to find out if a smaller daily dose of 15 mg might also be effective and perhaps have fewer side effects. You would receive either the medication or a placebo (inactive pill) for 72 weeks.

While this medication has proven helpful for fatty liver disease at standard doses in previous studies, doctors don't yet know if a lower dose could work just as well. Testing a lower dose matters because it might give patients the same health benefits while reducing the risk of unwanted side effects.