In view of the fact that the etiologic factors involved in the development of type 2 diabetes are complicated and multifaceted, including obesity, systemic chronic inflammation, hepatic steatosis, hyperlipidemia, and insulin resistance, Xu et al. have investigated the role of Nrf2 in the prevention of hepatic steatosis, insulin resistance, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. This evidence concerns the gene NFE2L2 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.