A recent study reveals a worrying rise in early-onset type 2 diabetes among young adults in England, with young obese women playing a significant role in this trend. Published in Lancet Regional Health Europe, the research is the first to analyze new type 2 diabetes cases across England by age, sex, and ethnicity, highlighting obesity as a key factor in this increase.
While overall cases of type 2 diabetes are declining among older adults, incidence rates are rising sharply among people under 40. The data, collected by Imperial College London researchers from 2011 to 2024, show that young women are particularly affected. The age-standardized incidence of type 2 diabetes increased by 69% in women aged 20 to 29 and by 43% in men of the same age group, whereas older age groups experienced a decline.
This rise spans all ethnicities but is especially notable among white, Asian, and Black women aged 20 to 29 and white women aged 30 to 39. Dr. Shivani Misra, the study’s lead author, attributes this trend to earlier and more severe obesity in younger populations, which lowers the age at diabetes diagnosis.
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Alongside the rising numbers, the study found a significant increase in body mass index (BMI) at diagnosis among younger adults. Between 2011 and 2024, BMI at diagnosis rose by 5-7% in those under 40, compared to a 2-3% increase in older adults. For instance, white British women aged 20 to 29 had an average BMI of 37.7 at diagnosis in 2011, increasing to 40.7 in 2024, indicating more severe obesity in successive generations.
Regarding treatment, Dr. Misra notes that weight-loss medications such as GLP-1 receptor agonists (including Mounjaro, Ozempic, and Wegovy) are becoming a recommended early intervention for young adults with type 2 diabetes. However, she stresses the need for more research on their long-term effectiveness, particularly when discontinued, and emphasizes that medication should be part of a broader strategy.
Helen Kirrane from Diabetes UK expressed concern over the rise of type 2 diabetes in younger people, highlighting its aggressive nature and potential for severe complications. She calls for government actions to limit unhealthy food promotion and create environments conducive to healthier lifestyles.
Dr. Misra concludes that tackling obesity in young people requires stronger public health measures to address societal factors such as the widespread availability of unhealthy foods and sedentary lifestyles. Effective prevention remains crucial to reducing the future burden of type 2 diabetes.