Understanding diabetes heterogeneity: key stepstowards precision medicine in diabetes

Diabetes is a highly heterogeneous condition; yet, it is diagnosed by measuring a single blood-borne metabolite, glucose, irrespective of aetiology. Although pragmatically helpful, disease classification can become complex and limit advances in research and medical care. Here, we describe diabetes heterogeneity, highlighting recent approaches that could facilitate management by integrating three disease models across all forms of diabetes, namely, the palette model, the threshold model and the gradient model. Once diabetes has developed, further worsening of established diabetes and the subsequent emergence of diabetes complications are kept in check by multiple processes designed to prevent or circumvent metabolic dysfunction. The impact of any given disease risk factor will vary from person -to-person depending on their background, diabetes-related propensity, and environmental exposures. Defining the consequent heterogeneity within diabetes through precision medicine, both in terms of diabetes risk and risk of complications, could improve health outcomes today and shine a light on avenues for novel therapy in the future.

Automated summary

This article discusses the heterogeneity of diabetes and proposes different models for disease management. It emphasizes the importance of precision medicine in defining disease risk and complications risk, which can lead to improved health outcomes and new therapeutic approaches.