There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in developed countries during the last 50 years. In the United States, the prevalence of diabetes has increased from 0.9% in 1958 to 4.4% in 20001 and is projected to reach 7.2% by 2050.2 Diabetes causes substantial morbidity, disability, and mortality1 and is a major contributor to increased health care costs. In 2007, medical expenses related to diabetes totaled an astronomical $116 billion in the United States.3 We are therefore in great need of interventions to reduce the incidence of this disease.