Screening and Early Detection of Type 2 Diabetes

The diabetes epidemic is accelerating in the developing world, with an increasing proportion of affected people in younger age groups. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by relative insulin deficiency caused by pancreatic -cell dysfunction and insulin resistance in target organs. Type 2 diabetes is characterised by increased hyperinsulinaemia, insulin resistance, and pancreatic -cell failure, with up to 50% cell loss at diagnosis. Epidemiology of type 2 diabetes is affected by genetic and environmental factors. Genetic factors exert their effect following exposure to an obesogenic environment characterised by sedentary behaviour and excessive sugar and fat consumption. The main reasons for the current interest in screening for type 2 diabetes and the reasons why WHO and IDF convened this meeting are that there is a long, latent, asymptomatic period in which the condition can be detected,  the rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes world-wide and the seriousness of the immediate effects and long-term complications of type 2 diabetes.