Pharmacologic approach to type 2 diabetes in obese patients

Abstract

Obesity, as a result of sedentary lifestyles and the rapid nutritional transition from healthy diets (high in fiber and low in fat and calories) to the so-called "westernized diets" (calorie-dense meals containing refined carbohydrates, red meats, sugary desserts, drinks, and high-fat foods), has reached epidemic proportions and is the major risk factor for developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) (Cordin et al. 2005). On the other hand, genetic and environmental factors play a concurrent role in the development of T2DM with obesity being one of the most important components. The association of obesity and T2DM leads to numerous healthcare problems including hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and reproductive abnormalities (Haslam and James 2005).