Avandia diabetes drug tablet. This drug belongs to a group of drugs known as thiazolidinediones that are used to treat type II diabetes. It controls blood sugar levels by reducing the production and secretion of glucose by the liver and increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Avandia requires that some insulin is produced by the pancreas and so cannot be used to treat type I diabetes. Avandia has been recommended for withdrawal in the UK due to a link to an increased risk of heart attacks and heart failure.