Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine Society Consensus for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (2026 Update)

Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic condition that causes progressive impairment of glycemic homeostasis. It affects nearly every organ of the body through microvascular and macrovascular effects, increasing the risk of morbidity and mortality. Studies also show that the younger the age of the diagnosis, the higher the relative risk of cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. The “diabetes continuum” describes progression from euglycemia through prediabetes, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and/or impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), to overt diabetes. Early intervention can slow disease progression or even reverse prediabetes, reducing the risk of downstream complications. With the increasing global burden of T2D, ongoing research continues to refine strategies across all stages of the diabetes continuum, such as a shift from the traditional glucose-centered approach to more personalized, risk-based treatment strategies. There is growing emphasis on weight management, early initiation of combination therapy rather than stepwise escalation, and prevention of target organ damage by using glucose-lowering treatments with proven cardiovascular and renal benefits.Methods: Diabetes prevalence in the UAE is significantly higher than global estimates. The increasing burden of T2D in the UAE and the importance of early detection, effective risk-based management, and culturally sensitive patient education underscore the need for updated and locally relevant recommendations. The Emirates Diabetes and Endocrine Society (EDES) convened a panel of 23 experts to review the latest evidence and international guidelines on T2D management in adults and develop consensus recommendations tailored to the UAE healthcare context and real-world clinical practice.Results: The panelists, through multiple rounds of discussion, developed evidence-based, consensus recommendations for the screening, diagnosis, and management of T2D. Updated tables for the initial and follow-up assessments were also included to ensure a comprehensive evaluation.Conclusion: These T2D management recommendations provide a tailored framework to help reduce the disease burden and improve long-term health outcomes in the UAE.