With the advent of the worldwide obesity epidemic, a concurrent rise has occurred in the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is affecting younger individuals-the disease is no longer exclusive to adulthood. Diabetic micro- and macrovascular complications are also occurring at an earlier age, leading to increasing demands and costs on the healthcare system. In addition, the morbidity, disability and premature death caused by diabetic complications create a huge burden to families, employers and society at large. Thankfully, there has been a...