EPIGENETIC MECHANISMS IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a complex chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Although genetic predisposition contributes to disease susceptibility, genetic factors alone cannot fully explain the rapid global increase in the prevalence of T2DM. Environmental influences, lifestyle habits, and metabolic conditions significantly affect disease development. Recent advances in molecular biology have highlighted the importance of epigenetic mechanisms in regulating gene expression without altering the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and microRNA regulation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of T2DM by affecting genes involved in insulin secretion, glucose metabolism, and inflammatory responses. This article reviews the major epigenetic mechanisms involved in T2DM and discusses their contribution to metabolic dysfunction and disease progression.