Phenotypes of prediabetes: pathogenesis and consequences for prediction and prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases

Abstract

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing world-wide. Thus, it is necessary to better understand its pathogenesis, the risk of diabetes-associated complications and effective treatment strategies. Because type 2 diabetes is a very heterogenous disease, both, related to its pathogenesis and risk of complications, phenotyping strategies in diabetes may help to tailor the preventive strategies based on the individuals risk. As the the hyperglycemic state of prediabetes is already associated with an increased risk of cardiometabolic diseases it is necessary to investigate the impact of phenotypes for predictive and preventive outcomes already in this early state of hyperglycemia. In this review artice I discuss how important phenotypes of prediabetes, such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, visceral obesity, insulin secretion defect and insulin resistance can be used to improve the prediction and prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.