Tackling type 2 diabetes: Experts’ insights revealed
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Research underscores the significance of lifestyle modifications and personalised medication in combating the risk of type 2 diabetes amongst South Asians
The South Asian population faces a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to genetic predisposition and other contributing factors. These factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and diets high in processed foods. In the realm of diabetes prevention, a longstanding hypothesis focuses on the efficacy of weight loss interventions. These interventions, which encompass lifestyle modifications and medications, are believed to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Indian-born Dr Priyanka Majety, who previously studied in Kolar and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Adult Outpatient Diabetes Director at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, andMetabolism , shared insights with Bangalore Mirror, stating, “While type 2 diabetes arises from a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors, modifiable risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and dietary habits play a significant role in its development. By intervening at the stage of impaired glucose tolerance, before the onset of frank diabetes, targeted weight loss interventions could prevent or at least delay the progression to type 2 diabetes.”
Osama Hamdy (Director of International Medical Affairs and Medical Director, Obesity Clinic Programme and Inpatient Diabetes Programme, Associate Professor, Harvard Medical School ). In an email interview with Bangalore Mirror, Dr Majety said, “In a world where the prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise at an alarming rate, the importance of prevention cannot be overstated. I am deeply committed to the belief that prevention is indeed better than cure, especially when it comes to type 2 diabetes.”
She further elaborated on their research endeavours, stating, “Our research sought to review the latest evidence surrounding pharmacological interventions in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. We aimed to bridge the gap between traditional lifestyle modifications and emerging medication options, offering patients a holistic approach to diabetes prevention.”
Regarding pharmacological interventions, Dr Majety shed light on several key medications showing promise in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. “Metformin, a longstanding medication with a wealth of evidence supporting its efficacy, remains a cornerstone in diabetes prevention efforts. Additionally, newer medications such as Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonists have emerged as potential adjunctive therapies, offering patients alternative options for diabetes prevention,” she explained.
Dr Majety emphasised the need for personalised medication interventions, tailored to individual patient profiles and risk factors. “Before initiating pharmacotherapy, thorough assessment of patient history and risk factors is essential to ensure optimal safety and efficacy. While medications like GLP1 receptor agonists hold promise in diabetes prevention, careful consideration of patient factors such as pancreatitis history and medullary thyroid cancer risk is paramount,” she added.
Dr Majety stressed several key takeaways for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including early screening, sustainable lifestyle modifications, and discussing potential pharmacological interventions with healthcare providers. She highlighted the importance of a multifaceted approach combining lifestyle modifications with targeted pharmacological interventions to empower individuals towards diabetes prevention and overall health and well-being. Looking ahead, future research endeavours will continue to explore the role of emerging medication classes in diabetes prevention, offering more personalised and effective interventions. Despite challenges, collective efforts in the realm of diabetes prevention hold the potential to make a meaningful impact on global health outcomes.
The South Asian population faces a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) due to genetic predisposition and other contributing factors. These factors include obesity, physical inactivity, and diets high in processed foods. In the realm of diabetes prevention, a longstanding hypothesis focuses on the efficacy of weight loss interventions. These interventions, which encompass lifestyle modifications and medications, are believed to delay the onset of type 2 diabetes.
Indian-born Dr Priyanka Majety, who previously studied in Kolar and currently serves as Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Adult Outpatient Diabetes Director at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and
Dr Majety conducted this research alongside her mentor, Dr
She further elaborated on their research endeavours, stating, “Our research sought to review the latest evidence surrounding pharmacological interventions in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. We aimed to bridge the gap between traditional lifestyle modifications and emerging medication options, offering patients a holistic approach to diabetes prevention.”
Regarding pharmacological interventions, Dr Majety shed light on several key medications showing promise in preventing or delaying the onset of type 2 diabetes. “Metformin, a longstanding medication with a wealth of evidence supporting its efficacy, remains a cornerstone in diabetes prevention efforts. Additionally, newer medications such as Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) receptor agonists have emerged as potential adjunctive therapies, offering patients alternative options for diabetes prevention,” she explained.
Dr Majety emphasised the need for personalised medication interventions, tailored to individual patient profiles and risk factors. “Before initiating pharmacotherapy, thorough assessment of patient history and risk factors is essential to ensure optimal safety and efficacy. While medications like GLP1 receptor agonists hold promise in diabetes prevention, careful consideration of patient factors such as pancreatitis history and medullary thyroid cancer risk is paramount,” she added.
By intervening at the stage of impaired glucose tolerance, before the onset of frank diabetes, targeted weight loss interventions could prevent or at least delay the progression to type 2 diabetes
Dr Majety stressed several key takeaways for individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, including early screening, sustainable lifestyle modifications, and discussing potential pharmacological interventions with healthcare providers. She highlighted the importance of a multifaceted approach combining lifestyle modifications with targeted pharmacological interventions to empower individuals towards diabetes prevention and overall health and well-being. Looking ahead, future research endeavours will continue to explore the role of emerging medication classes in diabetes prevention, offering more personalised and effective interventions. Despite challenges, collective efforts in the realm of diabetes prevention hold the potential to make a meaningful impact on global health outcomes.
