Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Current Trends in Treatment and Prevention

Abstract

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell dysfunction. It remains one of the major global public health challenges because of its rising prevalence, association with obesity, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and long-term microvascular complications. Over the last decade, treatment has shifted from a glucose-centered model to a more comprehensive cardio-renal-metabolic approach, with metformin, sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, dual incretin agonists, continuous glucose monitoring, and metabolic surgery playing increasingly important roles. Prevention has also advanced through evidence-based lifestyle interventions, weight reduction, targeted use of metformin in high-risk individuals, and broader public health strategies . This review summarizes current trends in the treatment and prevention of T2DM, highlights emerging therapeutic options, and discusses future directions in precision and technology-enabled diabetes care.