ABSTRACT
It is well established that increased fat mass is an important risk factor for the worldwide increase of type 2 diabetes. However, for a given fat mass, there is large variability in the risk of type 2 diabetes, with fat distribution explaining much of this heterogeneity in risk. This chapter presents novel data about the worldwide prevalence and trends of diabetes. Second, the risks of diabetes-associated complications are addressed. Third, the impact of fat mass, fat distribution, and adipose tissue function on the risk of diabetes are discussed. Finally, different treatment modalities of increased fat mass and disproportionate fat distribution to prevent and treat type 2 diabetes are presented, and their effectiveness and safety are compared.
