Last updated July 18, 2026
Key finding
Mean change in HbA1c was significantly greater with lobeglitazone than with placebo (−0.71%; p < 0.001).
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of lobeglitazone as an add-on therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin and empagliflozin, finding significant improvements in HbA1c levels.
Quick read
The essential study design details in one scan.
EvidenceScore™
Moderate
Study type
RCTs
Follow-up
Long-Term (1–5 y)
Risk of bias
Some Concerns
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Plain-language summary
A plain-language read of the study’s main message and where it applies.
Study focus
This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of lobeglitazone as an add-on therapy for patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin and empagliflozin, finding significant improvements in HbA1c levels.
These findings are significant for clinicians treating patients with type 2 diabetes, as they suggest that adding lobeglitazone can enhance glycemic control for those not adequately managed on current therapies. This could lead to better overall diabetes management and reduce the risk of complications associated with uncontrolled diabetes.
Limited to a specific population of patients with type 2 diabetes. Short duration of follow-up may not capture long-term effects. Results may not be generalizable to all diabetes patients.
Published in
Publication details and source links for this paper.
Da HS, Kyung WM, Ho SS, et al. Efficacy and safety of lobeglitazone as an add-on therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled with metformin and empagliflozin. Diabetes, Obesity & Metabolism. 2025;28(1):728-740. doi:10.1111/dom.70257
Mean change in HbA1c was significantly greater with lobeglitazone (−0.71%; p < 0.001).
48.7% of patients achieved HbA1c <7% with lobeglitazone compared to 13.4% with placebo (p < 0.001).
No statistically significant differences in the incidence of adverse events were observed between groups.
Evidence network
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This study contributes evidence to Pioglitazone and Adverse events incidence, HbA1c, Proportion achieving HbA1c <7.0%.
This study contributes evidence to
Primary intervention
Pioglitazone
Primary outcomes
Evidence topics
Primary intervention
Primary outcomes
Intervention and outcome relationships this study adds to the evidence network.
Editorial context
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Evidence network role
This section describes how the study fits into the current evidence network. It does not determine whether an intervention works on its own.
2
Related topics
3
Evidence pairs
319
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Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
Evidence topic
Contributes evidence
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Primary evidence
Evidence relationship
Related evidence
Evidence topic
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Evidence topic
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Core evidence
The primary outcomes reported in this study.
Pioglitazone → Adverse events incidence
Pioglitazone → Adverse events incidence
Pioglitazone → Proportion achieving HbA1c <7.0%
Pioglitazone → Proportion achieving HbA1c <7.0%
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Explore related studies, evidence collections, and research questions.
Relationships organized using the Dediabetes Evidence Intelligence™ framework.
This study contributes to evidence on Thiazolidinediones and HbA1c, Thiazolidinediones and Adverse events incidence.
This study contributes to the evidence on the following intervention-outcome relationships.
Medications
Curated evidence collections and hubs this study is part of.
All studies measuring HbA1c
Measures HbA1c as a key outcome.
All studies on Thiazolidinediones
Contributes to Thiazolidinediones evidence base.
All studies measuring Adverse events incidence
Measures Adverse events incidence as a key outcome.
Latest published studies
Published within the last 2 years.
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4 results
1 results
4 results
4 results
1 results
Generated from the study's connected evidence using Evidence Intelligence™.
Thiazolidinediones appears to improve HbA1c.
ConsistencyScore™: Results are consistent across studies.
Ranked evidence signals
HbA1c
EvidenceScore™ Strong | EvidenceScore™ 79.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Consistent | 1 study
Proportion achieving HbA1c <7.0%
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | strong positive | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on 4 supporting studies with consistent results and a positive effect signal.
Limitations
Current evidence does not show a clear benefit of Pioglitazone for Adverse events incidence.
ConsistencyScore™: Consistency cannot yet be determined from the available evidence.
Ranked evidence signals
Adverse events incidence
EvidenceScore™ Emerging | EvidenceScore™ 59.0 | neutral | ConsistencyScore™ Unclear | 1 study
Why this answer: This answer is based on a single supporting study.
Limitations
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