Excess weight is an established risk
factor for type 2 diabetes, yet most obese
individuals do not develop type 2 diabetes.
Most patients with type 2 diabetes
are obese, and the global epidemic
of obesity largely explains the
dramatic increase in the incidence and
prevalence of type 2 diabetes over the past
20 years. Currently, over a third (34%) of
U.S. adults are obese (defined as BMI.30
kg/m2), and over 11% of people aged
$20 years have diabetes (1), a prevalence
projected to increase to 21% by 2050 (2).
However, the precise mechanisms linking
the two conditions remain unclear,
as does our understanding of interindividual
differences. Improved understanding
will help advance identification
and development of effective treatment
options.