Rising number of young people with type 2 diabetes to be focus of educational meeting

The “stark rise” of type 2 diabetes cases in young people will be at the forefront of an informative session at the highly anticipated Trend Diabetes National Conference next month.

Three experts will lead a talk during the annual event, taking place in London, Birmingham and Newcastle, to discuss how type 2 diabetes impacts people diagnosed with the condition under the age of 40.

According to data from 2021-22, more than 138,000 individuals under the age of 40 were living with type 2 diabetes in England.

Recent research findings have revealed that being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes at a younger age significantly increases an individual’s risk of developing other conditions, such as kidney disease, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, nerve disease and microvascular disease.

In addition, studies have detected a link between early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and a shorter lifespan, with those diagnosed with the condition at the age of 15 set to lose approximately 12 years of their life. 

Sponsored by Lilly, the symposium will be led by a different diabetes expert at each Trend Conference and chaired by the Trend Co-Chairs Debbie Hicks and June James.

Dr Kunal Gulati, Executive Director Diabetes Medical Affairs, Lilly Northern Europe, said: “At Lilly, we are proud to support healthcare professionals to enable them to provide better care for people living with diabetes.

“We are delighted to be a sponsor of the TREND National Conference. The Lilly sponsored symposium is focusing on the rise of type 2 diabetes in people younger than 40.”

Dr Gulati added: “We believe it’s really important to identify the specific care needs of this cohort and to provide greater awareness for those caring for them.”

Debbie Hicks said: “The stark rise of type 2 diabetes cases among young people under the age of 40 is an alarming crisis that cannot be ignored.

“We are hoping this session will reduce the number of young people being diagnosed with the condition by educating healthcare professionals and promoting early detection.”

June James added: “As healthcare professionals, it is our duty to stay at the forefront of medical knowledge and trends, and that includes understanding and addressing the concerning rise of youth-onset type 2 diabetes.

“This session will equip delegates with crucial insights, tools and strategies to better serve people, implement effective preventive measures, and guide young individuals towards healthier lifestyles.”

The Trend Diabetes Conference is an annual conference that addresses and explores the leading topics of debate in diabetes care.  

This year, the conference is taking place at three different venues, including the Thistle Hotel Marble Arch in London on Friday, June 9, the National Conference Centre in Birmingham on Friday, June 16, and the Hilton in Newcastle on Friday, June 23.

For more information and to register for the conference, click here.