The global agenda for the prevention of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes represents an enormous and growing clinical and public health problem. Its financial burden is huge and growing and likely to be unsustainable. Lifestyle interventions are safe and effective for preventing diabetes, are associated with improved quality of life, and are cost-effective. Metformin is effective, safe, and cost-effective, if not cost-saving. National and international efforts are needed to identify at-risk individuals and to systematically apply these interventions. Research must focus on how best to implement diabetes prevention in diverse populations and settings.