** 1. Side Effect of pioglit [pioglitazone] is weight gain, leg swelling [edema] even with diet and regular exercise,moreover since weight is not mention thus it can be one factor for high blood sugar due to Insulin resistance. 2. Check with your Doctor for possible Echo cardiogram and Lung Function test to know the health status of heart and Lungs. 3. Your doctor may Stop the medicine and change it with some other option since it is banned in many countries. 4. One must see a diabetes specialist, who will look clinically for: . Weight . blood pressure . Examination of peripheral pulses on the legs. . Examination of the feet: especially the inter digital spaces and soles, for infections, ulcer and sensory loss . say NO to: Sugar, all sweets, cakes, sweetened biscuits-drinks, sweet fruits like mangoes and grapes, jam,honey, canned sweet fruits. . Eat in Plenty: all leafy vegetables, tomato, cucumber, brinjal, cauliflower, lady s finger, soup [tomato/vegetable], butter milk, sugar free drinks, tea/coffee with sweeteners, all cereals, sprouted pulses. . Eat restricted quantities: chapati, bread, corn flour, plain or salted biscuits, rice, meat, eggs, chicken, fish, skimmed milk. . Regularize timings and quantity of meals. . be careful in festivals and marriages, compensate for extra sweets by reducing previous and subsequent meals. . do not remain starving for long periods . avoid alcoholic drinks. . wash the feet daily, dry them, inspect them & then sprinkle lot of talcum powder. . avoid walking barefoot, even at home. . wear soft cotton socks and canvas shoes, avoid tight fitting shoes and chappals. . cut nails carefully and always after bath, when they are soft. . good prescription medicines/alternative are: madhumehari granules, HYPONIDD tablet, Diabecon tablet, Jambu assav, chandan assav, vasant kusumakar ras