Pioglitazone diabetes drug molecule. Computer model of a molecule of the diabetes drug pioglitazone. Atoms are represented as rods and are colour-coded: carbon (light blue), hydrogen (white), oxygen (red), nitrogen (dark blue) and sulphur (yellow). Pioglitazone, which is marketed under the name Actos, belongs to a group of drugs known as thiazolidinediones that are used to treat type II diabetes. Pioglitazone 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. It requires that some insulin is produced by the pancreas and so cannot be used to treat type I diabetes.