ARA290 in T2D (Effects of ARA 290, an Erythropoietin Analogue) in Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes)

Inclusion Criteria: * Informed consent obtained prior to any trial-related activities * Meeting criteria for impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), IGF+IFG, or type 2 diabetes at the screening OGTT. IFG = fasting P-glucose 5.6-6.9 mmol/L and 2 hr P-glucose \< 7.8 mmol/L; IGT = fasting P-glucose \<5.6 mmol/L and 2 hr P-glucose in OGTT 7.8-11.0 mmol/L;diabetes = fasting P-glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L and/or 2 hr P-glucose ≥ 11.1 mmol/L. * Fasting P-glucose ≤ 9 mmol/L. * BMI (body mass index) ≤ 35 kg/m2. * Males aged 40-75 years; women aged 50-75 years and in menopause. * Able to read and understand the written consent form, complete study-related procedures, and communicate with the study staff * Refrigerator at home for storage of study medication Exclusion Criteria: * Anticipated change in concomitant medication that may interfere with blood glucose homeostasis, such as systemic glucocorticoids, non-selective beta blockers and anabolic steroids. * Anti-diabetic (anti-hyperglycemic) medication of any kind. * Impaired renal function, defined as S-creatinine ≥ 125 μmol/L for men and ≥ 115 μmol/L for women. * Impaired hepatic function defined as plasma alanine aminotransferase (P-ALT) ≥ three times the upper reference limit. * Cardiac disease defined as unstable angina pectoris, or myocardial infarction within the last 6 months, or congestive heart failure NYHA (New York Heart Association) class III or IV. * Cerebral stroke within the last 6 months. * Uncontrolled treated or untreated hypertension (systolic blood pressure ≥ 180 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 110 mmHg). * Cancer diagnosed and/or treated within the last 5 years. * Females of childbearing potential. * Known or suspected abuse of alcohol or narcotic drugs. * Patients should not have received a vaccination or immunization within the month prior to screening * The use of Anti-TNF (anti-tumour necrosis factor) therapy or other biological anti-inflammatory agents administered within 3 months prior to screening is not allowed * The use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents within the two months prior to screening or during the trial is not allowed. * Administration of an investigational drug trial in the 3 months prior to administration of the initial dose of investigational medicinal product or more than 4 times per year.