title: Treatment of prediabetes.
abstract: Progression of normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to overt diabetes is mediated by a transition state called impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Beta cell dysfunction and insulin resistance are the main defects in type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) and even normoglycemic IGT patients manifest these defects. Beta cell dysfunction and insulin resistance also contribute to the progression of IGT to type 2 DM. Improving insulin sensitivity and/or preserving functions of beta-cells can be a rational way to normalize the GT and to control transition of IGT to type 2 DM. Loosing weight, for example, improves whole body insulin sensitivity and preserves beta-cell function and its inhibitory effect on progression of IGT to type 2 DM had been proven. But interventions aiming weight loss usually not applicable in real life. Pharmacotherapy is another option to gain better insulin sensitivity and to maintain beta-cell function. In this review, two potential treatment options (lifestyle modification and pharmacologic agents) that limits the IGT-type 2 DM conversion in prediabetic subjects are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Mustafa Kanat, Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, 34214 Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Mustafa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kanat
authors.affiliation: Mustafa Kanat, Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, 34214 Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ralph A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: DeFronzo
authors.affiliation: Mustafa Kanat, Division of Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, 34214 Istanbul, Turkey.
authors.forename: Muhammad A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Abdul-Ghani
keywords: Diabetes prevention; Impaired fasting glucose; Impared glucose tolerance; Prediabetes; Type 2 diabetes mellitus