A growing number of women in their 20s are developing type 2 diabetes in England, prompting experts to warn of a worrying shift towards younger patients with a disease that can lead to life-threatening complications. Researchers at Imperial College London say the increase has accelerated since the Covid-19 pandemic and appears closely linked to rising obesity levels among younger adults. Young Adults Driving New Trend An analysis of NHS data covering 2011 to 2024 found type 2 diabetes diagnoses are climbing fastest among people under 40, with women aged 20 to 29 seeing some of the sharpest increases. While older adults still account for the majority of new cases, researchers found diagnoses in those age groups have begun to fall slightly, highlighting a significant change in who is now developing the condition. Around 12,000 people under the age of 30 are currently living with type 2 diabetes in England, according to NHS estimates. Obesity Emerges as Key Factor Researchers found body mass index at diagnosis has been rising more quickly among younger adults than older patients, strengthening concerns that worsening obesity is driving earlier onset of the disease. Separate NHS figures show obesity rates have climbed sharply since the pandemic, with almost one in three people in England now affected. Between 2019 and 2025, new obesity cases rose by 16% among people aged 20 to 29 and nearly 20% among those aged 30 to 39. Lead researcher Dr Shivani Misra said severe obesity developing earlier in life was likely pulling down the average age at which people develop type 2 diabetes. Calls for Earlier Intervention Experts warn that type 2 diabetes diagnosed at a younger age is often more aggressive, increasing the long-term risk of heart disease, stroke and organ damage while shortening life expectancy. Diabetes UK says early diagnosis is critical and notes that some people can achieve remission through sustained weight loss, healthy eating and lifestyle changes. Researchers also point to newer obesity treatments, including GLP-1 weight-loss medications, as potentially important tools in reversing the trend. The findings also suggest the rise is no longer confined to traditionally higher-risk ethnic minority groups, with increasing diagnoses now being seen across the wider population. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cdx8vw5k2x8o
