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.