The importance of epigenetic factors for the diagnostics and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus

The level of expression of certain genes modifying the phenotype may affect the progression of diabetes mellitus and its complications. Gene expression is controlled by epigenetic modifications, influenced by intracellular and environmental factors, e.g. nutrition model and physical activity. These modifications appear throughout whole life, from conception until the time of death, and they are closely dependent on cell differentiation, DNA repair and cellular stress. Hopefully, the knowledge of epigenetics might be used in the future as an element of personalized treatment of diabetes. The following article aims to review the most important mechanisms of epigenetic modifications in context of pathogenesis and pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus.