Daijiworld Media Network – London
London, Jun 11: Cases of Type 2 diabetes are increasing at nearly twice the rate among women under the age of 40 compared to older women, according to a new analysis by Diabetes UK.
The analysis found that Type 2 diabetes diagnoses among women under 40 rose by 47 per cent between 2017-18 and 2023-24. In comparison, diagnoses increased by 22 per cent among women aged 40 to 79 during the same period.
Among men under 40, diagnoses rose by 34 per cent.
Diabetes UK warned that when Type 2 diabetes develops at a younger age, the condition tends to be more aggressive and can lead to more severe health complications.
Colette Marshall described the findings as a wake-up call.
“Type 2 diabetes is rising twice as fast in younger women compared to older women, and a crucial opportunity for prevention is being missed. Every diagnosis is life-changing, but when it develops in younger people, Type 2 diabetes is even more aggressive,” Marshall said.
The organisation also raised concerns about the lack of follow-up care for women who experience Gestational Diabetes (GDM), a condition that significantly increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.
According to a national GDM audit published by the NHS last year, only 57 per cent of women who had gestational diabetes received an annual HbA1c blood test to monitor their risk. Additionally, just 4.5 per cent were referred to the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme.
The data further showed that 11 per cent of women developed prediabetes within five years of experiencing gestational diabetes.
Marshall said pregnancy should not become a pathway to long-term ill health and stressed that many women at high risk of Type 2 diabetes are not receiving adequate postnatal support.
Diabetes UK has called for consistent follow-up care for women after gestational diabetes, increased referrals to prevention programmes and stronger accountability within health services to improve postnatal care.
The charity also urged healthcare providers to address inequalities in diabetes care, particularly among women from disadvantaged backgrounds and ethnic minority communities, who often face higher risks and poorer health outcomes.