Type 2 diabetes is being diagnosed with increasing frequency among people under 40 in England, with a particularly sharp rise among women aged 20 to 29. Researchers attribute this trend primarily to the growing prevalence of obesity among younger populations.
Scientists at Imperial College London reached this conclusion after analyzing data from the National Diabetes Audit of England from 2011 to 2024. While incidence among those aged 60-79 has slightly declined, new cases among people under 40 are increasing rapidly.
The trend is especially pronounced among women aged 20-29. The rise is observed both among ethnic minorities, traditionally considered at higher risk, and among white women. According to researchers, this indicates that the problem is no longer confined to specific population groups.
Concurrently, young patients have a higher body mass index at the time of diagnosis. Scientists believe that earlier onset of severe obesity increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes at a young age.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, obesity rates in England have also risen markedly. According to NHS data, between 2019 and 2025, new cases of obesity increased by 16% among people aged 20-29 and by nearly 20% among those aged 30-39.
Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or cells become resistant to it, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. When the disease develops at a young age, the risk of serious complications, including heart attacks and strokes, may be higher.
According to NHS England, about 12,000 UK residents under 30 are already living with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, approximately 90% of the six million people with diabetes in the country have this type.
Experts emphasize the importance of timely diagnosis for young patients. In some cases, early-stage type 2 diabetes can be put into remission through weight loss and dietary changes. Modern obesity medications may also be used to reduce disease-related risks.
However, diabetes may be detected later in women than in men. One reason cited by specialists is the use of fasting blood sugar tests in initial screenings. In women, this indicator may be lower and not always reflect post-meal glucose spikes. In such cases, glucose tolerance tests and HbA1c analysis, which shows average blood sugar over the past two to three months, may be more informative.
A similar trend is observed in Germany. According to the German Diabetes Society, from 2014 to 2023, the number of type 2 diabetes cases among adolescents aged 11-17 increased by an average of 5.8% per year.
Experts argue that curbing the spread of the disease among young people cannot be achieved solely through calls for physical activity. Proposed measures include improving nutrition in schools and kindergartens, promoting healthier diets, and creating conditions for regular sports participation.
The topic is also relevant for Uzbekistan, given the high prevalence of overweight and obesity. Earlier, the country registered its first tirzepatide-based drug for treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. The drug Sejaro is available in a pre-filled pen and is administered once a week as prescribed by a physician.
According to previously reported data, 64% of Uzbek adults are overweight, and one in five suffers from obesity.
Source: podrobno.uz