ABSTRACT
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic disease associated with dysfunctional glucose–insulin homeostasis. This disease occurs when the body does not efficiently use the insulin it makes (also known as insulin resistance) and when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to compensate for this insulin resistance. T2D is characterized by dyslipidemic and pro-inflammatory/pro-thrombotic states that contribute to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) (Montecucco et al. 2008). Uncontrolled diabetes leads to hyperglycemia, which over time causes serious complications, including microvascular and macrovascular damage (e.g., retinopathy, nephropathy, ischemic heart disease, and stroke). T2D ranks high among diseases that cause individuals to become bedridden with serious complications and is a leading cause of death. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) estimated that in 2015, 415 million adults (20–79 years) were living with diabetes and it accounted for at least USD 673 billion in health-care expenditures, which represents 12% of global health expenditures (IDF 2015). Until recently, T2D was only seen in adults, but it is now also occurring in children (WHO 2012). Thus, there is an urgent need for effective preventive strategies, which include dietary and lifestyle changes.
