As reported by the BBC, health experts have raised concern over a growing rise in type 2 diabetes among women in their twenties, with new figures suggesting the condition is increasingly affecting younger adults in England
Researchers at Imperial College London said the trend is particularly worrying because type 2 diabetes can be more aggressive when it develops at a younger age, increasing the risk of serious complications later in life.
NHS England estimates that around 12,000 people under the age of 30 are now living with type 2 diabetes, with women accounting for a growing share of those younger cases.
An analysis of NHS data from 2011 to 2024 found that the sharpest rise has occurred since the Covid-19 pandemic, a period that has also seen obesity rates climb significantly. Separate NHS figures show that nearly one in three people in England is now affected by obesity, with the largest increases seen among younger adults.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to severe health problems including heart attacks and strokes. Early symptoms often include persistent tiredness, frequent urination and constant thirst.
Diabetes UK warned that younger people diagnosed with the condition may face a higher likelihood of long-term complications and reduced life expectancy if it is not managed effectively.
The charity has also called for improved follow-up care for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, as they are at increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes after giving birth.
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