1 | INTRODUCTION
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is one of major non-communicable diseases (mNCDs) that requires lifelong treatments and management of high glycemic level. More than 400 million adults worldwide suffer from diabetes [1]. Obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet are major risk factors in adults diabetes [2], and racial & ethnic groups, maternal obesity have also led to a relative increase in T2D. In fact, the incidences of both type 1 and T2D increase significantly, particularly among minority racial and ethnic groups [3]. Although mortality and fatal outcomes declined in individuals with T2D in some developed countries [4], for example, in Sweden from 1998 through 2014, it’s still a big challenge and a heavy burden in developing countries.
Since high-quality care for individuals with T2D could decrease unnecessary emergency visits [5], for example, urine glucose screening within community and schools may help to detect early asymptomatic T2D [6], and individuals with T2D need to exercise more often (at least meeting physical activity guidelines) for reduction of mortality [7]. However, considerable proportion of T2D patients in some Asian countries and regions, for example, South Korea, were not adequately managed and lack of high-quality care due to no reliable comprehensive program [8]. In addition, a large-scale international study showed that subjects with T2D frequently have depression and psychological and psychiatric problems [9]. Thus, there is arising evidence for better management of T2D, since it is an independent predictor of revascularization and long-term mortality [10].
Currently, treatment of T2D focuses on glucose-lowering medication and non-pharmacological treatment. The former includes oral hypoglycemic agents, insulin pump or injection therapy; The later includes surgical treatment, for example, bariatric surgery for markedly obese individuals with T2D, modification of unhealthy lifestyle. However, most patients with T2D have not achieved optimal glycemic control with mono-therapies. Moreover, some treatments may have side-effects [11]. Although current guidelines for T2D are suitable for clinical doctors to use, it isn’t for individuals’ self-management of T2D. Of course, there is still a need for self-control of glucose levels in a new era of personnel medicine.