Investigating the pathogenesis and risk of Type 2 diabetes: clinical applications of metabolomics

Many countries are facing an obesity epidemic and an associated increase in Type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D and its complications are major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. To tackle this growing problem a concerted effort on multiple fronts will be required. Early intervention has been demonstrated to prevent or even reverse disease progression, therefore risk assessment to target limited resources to those at greatest risk will improve the cost efficacy of health budgets. A clearer understanding of the pathogenesis at the molecular level may provide us with new therapeutic targets, while improved monitoring of disease and response to treatment will provide for a personalized medicine approach to maximize health outcomes. Metabolomics is a powerful approach to unravel the complex relationships between metabolism, obesity and progression to T2D and, at the same time, has potential as a clinical tool for risk assessment and monitoring of disease.