antidiabetic pioglitazone (AD-4833, U-72,107), a series of 5-[4-(2- or 4-azolylalkoxy)benzyl- or -benzylidene]-2,4-thiazolidinediones was prepared and evaluated for hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities in insulin-resistant, genetically obese, and diabetic KKA(y) mice. Replacement of the 2-pyridyl moiety of pioglitazone by a 2- or 4-oxazolyl or a 2- or 4-thiazolyl moiety greatly enhanced in vivo potency