Abstract: This invention is based on the characterization of a set of genes, changes in expression thereof having predictive value on the susceptibility or predisposition to type II diabetes (T2D) in critical persons, in particular in persons having a higher risk in developing T2D such as overweight, obese and pre-diabetic persons. The invention provides in vitro methods for diagnosing, prediction of clinical course, subdiagnosis (based on a Risk Score), prediction and efficacy of treatments for T2D, in critical persons. The genes, and gene products of the present invention are also useful in identifying treatment methods and agents for prevention and/or treatment of T2D onset in critical persons.