Type 2 diabetes and disease management: exploring the connections.

Type 2 diabetes is an enormous public health problem affecting an estimated 18.2 million Americans. The prevalence is increasing, particularly among youth and young adults, in parallel with the continuing rise in obesity. The cost of treating diabetes complications imposes a tremendous burden on healthcare resources, and there has been limited success in achieving the treatment targets which are clearly associated with reduced risks of complications and mortality. This paper reviews the relationship of obesity to the risk and health complications of diabetes, and the impact of weight loss in reducing the risk of developing diabetes and in reducing the severity of metabolic and cardiovascular consequences in individuals who have already developed diabetes.