Changes in target-to-background ratio values from baseline were significantly greater in the pioglitazone group than in the glimepiride group ( -0.12 0.06 vs. 0.09 0.07 , p = 0.032 ) , as well as changes in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein ( pioglitazone vs. glimepiride group : median : -0.24 [ interquartile range ( IQR ) : -1.58 to -0.04 ] mg/l vs. 0.08 [ IQR : -0.07 to 0.79 ] mg/l , p = 0.031 ) .