Diabetes Mellitus and Lifestyle

Glucose intolerance, in the form of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or prediabetes, a precursor to the development of T2DM, is a major public health problem. T2DM is an economically costly disease and a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. T2DM can lead to renal dysfunction, peripheral and autonomic neuropathy, vision [Page 324]problems, and cardiovascular disease. In the United States alone, from 2005 to 2050, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes is expected to more than double from 5.6% to 12.0%. In 2005 to 2006, the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes combined was estimated to be 42.3% for Americans 20 years or older. The total prevalence of diabetes (diagnosed and undiagnosed) was estimated to be 12.9%, approximately 40% of which was undiagnosed. Worldwide, the number of ...