THE RISING PREVALENCE OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS: PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, COMPLICATIONS, PREVENTION, AND CONTEMPORARY MANAGEMENT APPROACHES

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) has become one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide. Characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, T2DM affects millions of individuals and contributes substantially to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditures. The increasing prevalence of obesity, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, and population aging has accelerated the global burden of this disease. Beyond disturbances in glucose metabolism, T2DM is associated with serious microvascular and macrovascular complications that significantly impair quality of life. This article examines the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying T2DM, discusses its major complications, explores preventive strategies, and reviews contemporary approaches to disease management.2型糖尿病（Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus，T2DM）已成为全球最严峻的公共卫生挑战之一。该病以胰岛素抵抗与进行性胰腺β细胞功能障碍引发的慢性高血糖为特征，累及数百万人群，并显著推高了发病率、死亡率及医疗支出。肥胖患病率攀升、久坐生活方式、不健康饮食习惯以及人口老龄化，进一步加剧了该疾病的全球疾病负担。除糖代谢紊乱外，T2DM还可引发严重的微血管与大血管并发症，严重损害患者生活质量。本文探讨了T2DM的病理生理机制，阐述了其主要并发症，探索了预防策略，并综述了当前的疾病管理方案。