Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus: a phenomenon of ageing?

The aetiopathogenisis of non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM) is complex and the role of age in this process difficult to study. From epidemiological and clinical studies evidence emerges for a strong genetic component. Environmental factors comprise possibly lifestyle and convincingly obesity. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the pathogenesis of NIDDM is still speculative and requires further research in order to reduce the incidence of this condition.