Why Are Young Women with Diabetes Surging? UK Study: Post-COVID Obesity Rise, Watch for Constant Thirst and Fatigue

England is seeing a 'concerning rise in data': the number of young women in their 20s being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes is increasing, warn experts from Imperial College London. Analysis of NHS data from 2011 to 2024 shows this upward trend emerged primarily after the COVID-19 pandemic and is closely tied to rising obesity rates. Type 2 diabetes is a serious condition that can lead to severe complications such as heart attacks and strokes. Diabetes UK, a charity organization, notes that when diagnosed at a younger age, the disease tends to be more aggressive, increasing the risk of serious complications and shortening life expectancy. Early diagnosis in high-risk groups is crucial to prevent long-term organ damage. In some cases, type 2 diabetes can go into remission through healthy eating and weight management, without the need for blood sugar-lowering medication. Researchers suggest newer obesity treatments—such as GLP-1 injections and oral medications—may help, alongside dietary advice. Of the approximately 6 million people with diabetes in the UK, about 90% have type 2 diabetes, not type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes. Risk increases with age, and older adults still account for the majority of new diagnoses. However, according to NHS England estimates, over 12,000 people under 30 now have type 2 diabetes, with women making up a higher proportion in younger cases. The most common symptoms include extreme tiredness, urinating more frequently than usual, and constant thirst. Researchers at Imperial College analyzed NHS data from the National Diabetes Audit to examine long-term trends. The data shows a slight decline in older age groups—who still represent the largest share of new diagnoses—but a rapid rise in those under 40, with the most pronounced increase among women aged 20 to 29. At the same time, body mass index (BMI)—a measure of obesity—at diagnosis is rising faster among young adults than older groups, suggesting this may be a contributing factor. According to another NHS England dataset, obesity rates in England have worsened since the pandemic, currently affecting nearly one-third of the population. Young adults have seen the largest long-term increases. Between 2019 and 2025, new obesity cases rose by 16% among 20- to 29-year-olds and nearly 20% among 30- to 39-year-olds, while rates declined in adults aged 60 to 79. 'We believe that younger people are developing severe obesity earlier, increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes at an earlier stage in life and lowering the age of diagnosis,' said lead researcher Dr. Shivani Misra. 'Given the poor health outcomes associated with early-onset type 2 diabetes, this is truly concerning.' She also emphasized that past discussions about rising disease rates in younger populations have largely focused on minority ethnic groups traditionally seen as high-risk. But new data shows this trend is now extending far beyond those communities. 'We are now seeing rising incidence rates among white populations as well, indicating that this public health challenge is expanding across generations,' she added. Diabetes UK says better follow-up care should be provided for women diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy, as this increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes postpartum. Additionally, some studies suggest that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes may rise after contracting COVID-19, though evidence remains inconclusive. This article was translated with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The content was reviewed by BBC journalists before publication.