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Contact usType 2 Diabetes in the Young: lived experience and workforce insights
Overview
Type 2 diabetes in this age group, commonly referred to as early onset type 2 diabetes (EOT2D), is becoming increasingly common. Individuals diagnosed at this age are more likely to develop complications such as blindness, kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. In addition to this, they are less likely to attend annual diabetes reviews and meet treatment targets for HbA1c, blood pressure and cholesterol.
EOT2D is disproportionately prevalent among young adults from Black and Asian ethnic backgrounds and those living in socio-economically deprived areas. In South East London alone, 65.6% of people aged 18-39 living with type 2 diabetes come from the most deprived quintiles.
Type 2 Diabetes in the Young: T2Day
The Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London are supporting South East London (SEL) Integrated Care Board (ICB) to deliver the Type 2 Diabetes in the Young programme, improving care for individuals aged 18-39 with type 2 diabetes.
Under this programme, we have gathered insights from people with lived experience and clinicians to enhance care pathways for individuals diagnosed with early-onset Type 2 diabetes.
Two reports have been developed, highlighting:
Lived experience insights
The challenges faced by this group and their experience of healthcare.
Workforce insights
Clinician’s confidence in managing individuals with EOT2D, the training and support requirements available for staff, and the barriers in delivering care to this group.
Lived experience insights
As part of this insights work, we:
- Conducted interviews with 31 individuals
- Undertook a survey of 70 individuals living with EOT2D
- Analysed feedback to identify themes.
Highlight of findings
Diagnosis experience
Many young adults described their diagnosis as confusing, rushed, or distressing. A lack of clear information and empathetic communication at diagnosis often left patients feeling unprepared and anxious.
Barriers to engagement
Stigma, embarrassment, and negative perceptions of type 2 diabetes as a "self-inflicted" disease were prominent. Participants also highlighted practical barriers such as work schedules, childcare, and limited appointment availability.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
The psychological toll of living with diabetes, including feelings of isolation, low mood, and worry about future complications, was a recurrent theme. Yet, mental health support was rarely offered or discussed.
Time with clinicians
Participants emphasised the need for more time with healthcare professionals, tailored education, peer support, and practical tools like glucose monitoring to empower self-management.
Workforce insights
As part of this work, we conducted a survey on 20 healthcare professionals, who:
- Were working as either a GP, nurse, diabetes specialist, or pharmacist
- Were working in either primary, community, or secondary care settings.
Highlight of findings
Confidence in management
Many clinicians reported uncertainty in managing EOT2D due to its more aggressive nature, particularly around medication choices, weight management, and addressing complications.
Training and support needs
There was a clear demand for more targeted training, especially in areas such as psychological support, pregnancy planning, and culturally sensitive care.
Challenges in care delivery
Time constraints, fragmented care pathways, and a lack of integrated multidisciplinary support were identified as major barriers to providing optimal care.
Improving patient engagement
Clinicians expressed the need for longer consultations, structured education, and better tools to support young adults in self-managing their condition effectively.
Looking forward
The insights and recommendations in this report highlight the urgent need for a paradigm shift in how we approach EOT2D care. By listening to the voices of young adults and addressing the barriers they face, we can create a healthcare system that empowers them to manage their condition and avoid complications.
The full reports offer detailed findings and practical recommendations to navigate these pathways.
