We were able to identify a highly specific molecular target proximal promoter element (p53RE2) that can be engineered to control the expression of SIRT1 in the liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, adipose tissues, etc., which can be beneficial in glucose and lipid metabolism, metabolic syndrome, pancreatic beta-cell function and insulin secretion, type 2 diabetes, longevity, etc. Here, SIRT1 is linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus.