Improved OutcomesPolicy Influence A new NHS initiative to improve care of type 2 diabetes in young adults

Tens of thousands of people in England living with early-onset type 2 diabetes will benefit from improved care due to a world-first national NHS initiative co-developed by NIHR Imperial BRC researcher, Dr Shivani Misra, as part of the NHS Diabetes Programme.

People under 40 with type 2 diabetes experience more complications and have a reduced life expectancy. This work analysed national diabetes audit data in England to understand if the number of young adults with type 2 diabetes has increased and examine whether patients were meeting treatment targets.

Analysis showed 130,000 adults living with early-onset type 2 diabetes – more than previously thought. This data was used to support the NHS Diabetes Programme to develop T2DAY – a new programme backed by £14 million to improve the care of young adults with type 2 diabetes. The 2-year programme will benefit all young adults living with type 2 diabetes and reduce health inequity.

World-first programme to transform diabetes care for under 40s