More women in their 20s are getting type 2 diabetes
England is seeing a “worrying increase” in women in their 20s developing type 2 diabetes, according to an analysis of NHS data from 2011 to 2024 by researchers at Imperial College London. The rise is closely linked to rising obesity levels, which have worsened since the COVID‑19 pandemic.
By Source Reporters Newsdesk
Thu, 27 August 2026 · 1 min read
England is seeing a “worrying increase” in women in their 20s developing type 2 diabetes, according to an analysis of NHS data from 2011 to 2024 by researchers at Imperial College London. The rise is closely linked to rising obesity levels, which have worsened since the COVID‑19 pandemic.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to serious complications such as heart attacks and strokes, and when diagnosed at a younger age it tends to be more aggressive, increasing the risk of severe outcomes and reducing life expectancy, Diabetes UK warns.
About 12,000 people under 30 in the UK are living with type 2 diabetes, with women comprising a growing share of these younger cases. Early symptoms include persistent thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained fatigue.
Researchers found that while diabetes rates are slightly falling among older adults, they are rising sharply in under‑40s, especially women aged 20‑29, paralleling a faster rise in body mass index in this group. Between 2019 and 2025, new obesity cases rose by 16% in 20‑29‑year‑olds and nearly 20% in 30‑39‑year‑olds, while falling in older age groups.
Lead researcher Dr Shivani Misra said the earlier onset of severe obesity in young people is driving up type 2 diabetes risk and lowering the age at diagnosis, calling the trend “really worrying” given the poor health outcomes from early‑onset disease. She noted the increase now extends beyond traditionally high‑risk ethnic minority groups to include white populations.
Diabetes UK also urged better follow‑up care for women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, as it raises the likelihood of type 2 diabetes later life.
**Sources:** BBC
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