Partners in diabetes epidemic: A global perspective

Abstract

There is a recent increase in the worldwide prevalence of both obesity and diabetes. In this review we assessed insulin signaling, genetics, environment, lipid metabolism dysfunction and mitochondria as the major determinants in diabetes and to identify the potential mechanism of gut microbiota in diabetes diseases. We searched relevant articles, which have key information from laboratory experiments, epidemiological evidence, clinical trials, experimental models, meta-analysis and review articles, in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google scholars and Cochrane Controlled Trial Database. We selected 144 full-length articles that met our inclusion and exclusion criteria for complete assessment. We have briefly discussed these associations, challenges, and the need for further research to manage and treat diabetes more efficiently. Diabetes involves the complex network of physiological dysfunction that can be attributed to insulin signaling, genetics, environment, obesity, mitochondria and stress. In recent years, there are intriguing findings regarding gut microbiome as the important regulator of diabetes. Valid approaches are necessary for speeding medical advances but we should find a solution sooner given the burden of the metabolic disorder ― What we need is a collaborative venture that may involve laboratories both in academia and industries for the scientific progress and its application for the diabetes control.

Keywords: Diabetes; Diabetes mellitus; Endocrinology; Genes; Gut microbiota; Environment; Insulin signaling; Metabolic disorder; Mitochondria; Obesity

Core Tip: We have read through the references, gathered information and then summarized the literature focusing on the complex physiological networks that play important roles in diabetes. This review highlight that how impairment of insulin signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction can bring about changes in energy balance resulting in diabetes epidemic. We have covered studies from laboratory experiments, clinical trials, epidemiological, and several review articles making this review is a good reference point for further understanding and control of diabetes epidemic in human population.