The worldwide epidemiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus—present and future perspectives

Abstract

Over the past three decades, the number of people with diabetes mellitus has more than doubled globally, making it one of the most important public health challenges to all nations. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes are increasingly observed among children, adolescents and younger adults. The causes of the epidemic of T2DM are embedded in a very complex group of genetic and epigenetic systems interacting within an equally complex societal framework that determines behavior and environmental influences. This complexity is reflected in the diverse topics discussed in this Review. In the past few years considerable emphasis has been placed on the effect of the intrauterine environment in the epidemic of T2DM, particularly in the early onset of T2DM and obesity. Prevention of T2DM is a 'whole-of-life' task and requires an integrated approach operating from the origin of the disease. Future research is necessary to better understand the potential role of remaining factors, such as genetic predisposition and maternal environment, to help shape prevention programs. The potential effect on global diabetes surveillance of using HbA(1c) rather than glucose values in the diagnosis of T2DM is also discussed.

Prävalenz und zeitliche Entwicklung des bekannten Diabetes mellitus

“…Neben einer genetischen Prä-disposition zählen eine durch den "westlichen" Lebensstil geprägte Ernährungs-weise, Bewegungsmangel und damit im Zusammenhang stehendes Übergewicht zu den wesentlichen Risikofaktoren [1,2]. Ein relativer Insulinmangel kann erstmals in der Schwangerschaft auftreten und bildet sich danach in der Regel wieder zurück ("Schwangerschaftsdiabetes").…”

Efficacy and safety of trelagliptin in combination with insulin therapy in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: Results from a randomized, Phase IV study

“…This has been attributed to an aging population2 and to lifestyle factors associated with westernization, such as sedentary behaviour and obesity 3, 4. Despite a comprehensive armamentarium of anti‐diabetic medications,5 the increasing prevalence of T2DM suggests that new treatments and regimens are still required.…”

Incidence of Diabetes Mellitus in Insured Swedish Cats in Relation to Age, Breed and Sex

“…Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrinopathy in cats, and the prevalence reportedly has increased during the last few decades,1 comparable to the globally increasing prevalence described in humans 2. Most cats suffer from a type of diabetes similar to type 2 diabetes in humans, characterized by a relative deficiency of insulin combined with insulin resistance, in contrast to the primary beta cell deficiency seen in human type 1 diabetes.…”