The most recent estimates of IDF Diabetes Atlas indicate that diabetes affects 537 million adults worldwide, with type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounting for 90% of cases. T2D is the most common age-related metabolic disease in middle-aged and older adults. Age-related changes in metabolic regulation in these individuals worsen the underlying pathophysiology of T2D. Low physical activity levels, sedentary behavior, and unhealthy diet are the major underlying factors for obesity and insulin resistance development, leading to T2D and cardiovascular disease. There is evidence that T2D can be prevented or delayed and managed through targeted behavior-change strategies. Effective interventions, such as regular physical activity/exercise and a healthy diet, have been recommended for the improvement of glucose and insulin metabolism both in diabetic as well as in non-diabetic individuals. In addition to engaging in regular physical activity, studies have demonstrated the benefits of reducing the overall amount of daily sedentary time and of interrupting sitting time with regular bouts of movement.

Being T2D is a serious disease that affects many middle-aged and older adults, it is important to investigate the impact of unhealthy lifestyles (such as physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, and poor diet) on glucose and insulin metabolism, and to create a set of behavior-change strategies to prevent or manage T2D and its related complications. This Research Topic aims to publish original research and review papers that explore the potential beneficial impact of stress-reducing interventions, such as regular physical activity/exercise and healthy nutrition, on the prevention or management of insulin resistance, T2D, and its associated complications in middle-aged and older adults. In addition, studies that identify the potential molecular and cellular mechanisms by which physical activity/exercise improves glucose and insulin metabolism and prevent or manage T2D and its complications, are also requested.

Both review and original research articles are encouraged to be submitted to this Research Topic. The topic of interest includes, but is not limited to, the following:

•Metabolic health and biological age
•Physical inactivity, sedentary behavior, poor diet, insulin resistance, and T2D
•Behavior-change strategies to prevent or manage insulin resistance and T2D
•Mechanisms by which physical activity/exercise improves glucose and insulin metabolism
•New markers with predictive value to identify high-risk subjects before T2D onset.

We hope that this Research Topic can bring relevant contributions to the field and give us a more comprehensive overview of the prevention and management of T2D in middle-aged and older adults.

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Frontiers in Aging

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