More young women in their 20s are getting type 2 diabetes
A new study from Imperial College London highlights a concerning rise in type 2 diabetes among women in their 20s in England. The increase is closely linked to rising obesity levels and has accelerated since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Why it matters
Early-onset type 2 diabetes is often more aggressive and carries a higher risk of long-term complications, placing a significant future burden on public health systems.
Image source, Getty Images By Michelle Roberts Digital health editor Published 11 minutes ago England is seeing a "worrying increase" in young women in their 20s developing type 2 diabetes, experts at Imperial College London have warned.
The rise has largely occurred since the Covid pandemic and is closely linked to increasing obesity levels, according to an analysis of NHS data from 2011 to 2024 , external .
Type 2 diabetes is serious, and can lead to severe complications, such as heart attacks and strokes.
When it develops at a younger age, the disease tends to be more aggressive, raising the risk of devastating complications and cutting lives short, according to Diabetes UK.
It is vital that those at risk are diagnosed early to prevent long-term organ damage, the charity says.
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