Trending Modalities in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention

Abstract

Context: Prediabetes now affects a substantial proportion of the population, marking a growing group of individuals at increased risk for the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Given the profound effect of T2D on an individual's morbidity and mortality, T2D prevention is of critical importance. Evidence Acquisition: We searched PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE databases for recent systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and original research articles pertaining to prediabetes and the prevention of T2D. Evidence Synthesis: T2D prevention strategies have focused on intensive lifestyle modification as well as numerous medications that ultimately improve insulin resistance. Recently, a better understanding of the gut microbiome's role in diabetes progression has suggested a possible preventive role for fecal transplant. Finally, multiple incretin pharmaceutical agents have been developed that show promise in the prevention and treatment of T2D. Conclusion: The number of novel ways to prevent T2D is rapidly growing. A thorough understanding of the indications, outcomes, and limitations of these new therapies is critical for all who care for individuals with diabetes.