Linking obesity and type 2 diabetes: Mechanistic insights and personalized nutritional strategies

BackgroundGlobally, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity is increasing at an alarming rate, with the World Health Organization reporting a sharp rise in both conditions over the past two decades. The emerging concept of "diabesity" underscores the close interconnection between excessive weight gain and the development of T2DM, together posing a major global public health challenge. Obesity directly and indirectly contributes to chronic diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, hypertension, and certain cancers. Obese individuals show altered levels of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein, and this inflammation from visceral adiposity promotes insulin resistance, a key mechanism in T2DM development.AimThis narrative review aims to: (1) explore the pathophysiological mechanisms linking obesity to T2DM, with an emphasis on adipose tissue dysfunction, chronic low-grade inflammation, and insulin resistance; and (2) critically evaluate the potential of personalized nutrition-tailored dietary and lifestyle interventions based on an individual's metabolic, genetic, and lifestyle profile as a preventive strategy against diabesity.MethodsTo provide a comprehensive grasp of the subject, pertinent research on obesity, T2DM mechanisms, and personalized dietary approaches was found, examined, and summarized.SummaryVisceral adiposity and other obesity-related metabolic abnormalities play an important role in insulin resistance, a significant underlying mechanism in the aetiology of type 2 diabetes. By transcending the "one-size-fits-all" paradigm, personalized nutrition facilitates more precise and sustainable prevention and management of diabesity. "Personalized nutrition may transform diabetes management and prevention when incorporated into public health frameworks.