New research shows worrying increase in young women developing type 2 diabetes

There has been a stark rise in young women with type 2 diabetes

​The research, published in Lancet Regional Health Europe, discovered that “since 2011, incidence of type 2 diabetes has risen significantly in young adults across most ethnicities and sex subgroups (especially females) despite minimal changes or declining rates at older ages.”

​This trend has been growing since the COVID pandemic, and is highly linked to increasing obesity rates.

​Some useful treatments that can put type 2 diabetes into remission include eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.

Patients may also be offered ​GLP-1 jabs and other medications in certain cases.

​The researchers have examined data from the English National Diabetes Audit, revealing that type 2 diabetes is slightly decreasing among older adults, despite this group being the largest proportion of diagnoses.

However, alarming results show that the disease is increasing rapidly in people under 40, particularly among women aged 20 to 29.

There are a few reasons why cases of type 2 diabetes are rising in this age group.

​Firstly, women in this study had a higher median BMI than men. In other words, at the time they were diagnosed, the women’s BMI was higher than that of their male counterparts.

​Also, because young women interact more with the healthcare system due to pregnancy issues, preconception care, or menstrual health, their chances of diabetes being detected earlier increase.​

Finally, gestational diabetes increases the chances of having to be monitored and referred to prevention programs.

​It is worth paying attention to any symptoms such as tiredness, peeing more than usual, or being continuously thirsty.

It is also very important to know how to prevent it as much as possible. For instance, keeping track of any history of gestational diabetes or family history of type 2 diabetes. 

Having PMOS (Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome) might also increase the risk of developing the disease.

For all of these, early screening is essential. A simple blood sugar test might be crucial to prevent any further development.

​Those at risk who are diagnosed early can prevent long-term damage.

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