Rosiglitazone is an oral antihyperglycaemic agent that works by reducing insulin resistance - a problem that occurs when cells respond poorly to insulin, causing plasma glucose levels to rise. Studies presented at the 35th Annual Meeting of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes [Brussels, Belgium; September-October 1999] suggest that by reducing insulin resistance, rosiglitazone may provide long-term control of plasma glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.