Trending Modalities in Type 2 Diabetes Prevention.

Abstract

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. 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. 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. 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.