Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by
hyperglycemia mainly due to absolute (type 1 diabetes) or relative
(type 2 diabetes) insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, or both.1,2
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its associated complications are a major
health and economic issue worldwide, and the number of people
affected by T2D is expected to continue to increase.3–5 The problem
is particularly relevant in China, where lifestyle changes associated
with rapid economic development, improved survival from communicable
diseases, and genetic susceptibility have caused signifi-
cant rise in diabetic patients