Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia that results from a defect in insulin secretion, action, or both. There are different types of diabetes mellitus, but type 2 diabetes mellitus is the most common type globally. Type 2 diabetes mellitus results from a complex interaction between predisposing genes and unhealthy lifestyle choices. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes include obesity, prediabetes, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diets, and hypertension. Poorly controlled diabetes causes microvascular and macrovascular complications. The goals of management are to prevent these complications and optimise quality of life. Fasting plasma glucose, 2-hours post glucose load, random plasma glucose or HbA1c above a certain threshold diagnoses diabetes in the presence or classic symptoms otherwise, the tests are repeated on a second occasion. HbA1c is convenient and reliable but, it is affected by conditions affecting the turnover of red cells. Management of type 2 diabetes is individualised with focus on diabetes education, lifestyle changes, pharmacological therapy, management of co-morbidities, and monitoring of treatment. Various factors determine the drugs used, but metformin remains the cornerstone. Other cardiovascular risk factors must be adequately controlled.