Diabetes mellitus (DM) has emerged as one of the most challenging chronic diseases of the 21st century, affecting hundredsof millions of people globally. Its prevalence continues to rise due to lifestyle transitions, urbanization, and population ageing.Diabetes contributes significantly to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure worldwide. Type 2 diabetes (T2D)represents about 90–95% of all cases, driven by insulin resistance and β-cell dysfunction. In recent years, major therapeuticadvances have reshaped management, particularly with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, glucagon-likepeptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and the dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP)/GLP-1 receptor agonisttirzepatide. These agents not only control glycaemia but also offer cardiovascular and renal protection. Despite theseadvances, global disparities in diagnosis, access to care, and affordability persist, especially in low- and middle-incomecountries (LMICs). This review summarizes the global epidemiology, pathophysiology, and evolving therapeutic strategies indiabetes, highlighting contemporary clinical trials, outcome data, and future priorities for reducing its global burden