In May 2024 we published a new report on the impact and prevalence of type 2 diabetes in children and adults under 40. Drastic changes to the environments we live in and the food we eat are taking a toll on our health. Type 2 diabetes in children and people under 40 has risen by 40% since 2016, and this trend is set to continue unless we see bold action to ensure the building blocks of health are in place for every child.
Type 2 diabetes is more acute when it develops at a younger age, so it’s vital that people get the right care and support to stay well – but, too often, that isn’t happening at the moment. And inequalities in diabetes risk and outcomes mean that people from Black and South Asian backgrounds and people in our most deprived communities are disproportionately affected. We need sustainable investment in targeted support for younger people with type 2 diabetes to make sure everyone can live well with diabetes.
We launched the report at a parliamentary reception in Westminster to share our recommendations with MPs and other decision-makers. Getting diabetes care right and reversing the rise in type 2 diabetes represents a generational opportunity to improve millions of lives, boost productivity and reduce inequalities.
