Diabetes Rising Faster in Younger Women

According to a new analysis by Diabetes UK, the rate of type 2 diabetes diagnoses among women under 40 has increased by 47% between 2017/18 and 2023/24, more than double the 22% increase seen in women aged 40 to 79.

Obesity:The Driving Factor

Experts point to soaring obesity rates as a key factor. between 1993 and 2024, obseity rates among women in the UK have nearly doubled, from 16.4% to 30%, affecting almost one in three women.

Diabetes UK warns that obesity is a significant risk factor for type 2 diabetes,which has historically been associated with older age groups.

Postnatal Care Gap

Diabetes UK has called for urgent action to improve postnatal support for women who have had gestational diabetes (GD),a condition affecting between 10% and 20% of pregnant women . GD increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

The charity has written to women's health minister Baroness Merron, highlighting that only 57% of women who had GD received an annual HbA1c test after givnig birth,as recommended.

Meg's Story: A Cautionary Tale

Meg, a 33-year-old teacher from Somerset , was diagnosed with GD in 2020 but has still not had a postnatal check-up regarding her diabetes risk. Her story underscores the need for better follow-up care.