Diabetes is a pandemic of unprecedented magnitude spiraling out of control. Despite the several efforts put forward by researchers, healthcare professionals, scientific societies, etc…, it remains a serious and growing challenge to public health. Diabetes does not spare any country, but the highest prevalence is registered in low and middle-income countries, further claiming for immediate action to stop this health emergency. There are multiple factors driving the rising prevalence of diabetes worldwide. Among these, unhealthy lifestyle leading to increasing rates of obesity is recognized as the main modifiable risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Increased adiposity is indeed associated with insulin resistance, which is the core of type 2 diabetes pathophysiology as it impairs glucose metabolism and directly hampers endothelial function, finally resulting in an increased risk of diabetic complications, which still represents the major burden on individuals affected and their families. Among their several and multiorgan consequences, insulin resistance and diabetes may also affect the reproductive system, causing fertility problems, pregnancy complications, and impacting the offspring health. Insulin resistance starts years before the onset of overt diabetes and the path towards diabetes may be halted if pre-diabetes is promptly recognized and treated. Nonetheless, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes are heterogeneous conditions resulting from a complex gene-environment interaction, calling for a precision medicine approach.
This course intends to provide attendees with the latest acquisitions in the field of prediabetes and diabetes, highlighting the need of a personalized approach to tackle this emergency. This year, the 2023 Digital Learning Journey will offer a special focus on the consequences of obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes on a healthy human reproduction, providing a broad discussion on needs for a multidisciplinary approach to their management.
