New Structured Diabetes Education pilot launched for 18–39 year-olds to tackle type 2 diabetes

A new diabetes education course designed specifically for people aged 18-39 is being piloted in Lincolnshire, addressing the growing challenge of early-onset type 2 diabetes in England.

December 2, 2024

There are now almost 168,000 people under 40 living with the condition, an increase of more than 47,000 since 2026-17.[i]

This course aims to provide vital support and education to help them manage their diabetes and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Why it’s important

Type 2 diabetes in people under 40 is a rising concern for health systems. There has been a 40% rise in type 2 diabetes diagnoses in people under 40 between 2016-17 and 2022-23.

When type 2 diabetes develops at a younger age (below 40) it is more acute and aggressive. It carries significantly higher risks of complications and premature mortality compared to when the condition develops later in life. With young adults in the prime of their lives, managing diabetes effectively is crucial to ensuring they can lead healthy, fulfilling lives without unnecessary health challenges.[ii]

What we’re doing about it

Building on our award-winning type 2 diabetes education programme, we’ve developed a version tailored to those aged 18-39.

This adaptation to our course includes additional topics relevant to young adults, including travel, sex, and preparing for pregnancy—important areas of life that can be impacted by diabetes.

By focusing on the unique needs of this age group, we aim to make the programme feel directly relevant and relatable, helping participants feel that it’s designed for them.

Our evidence-based courses are accredited to the highest UK quality standards, ensuring participants receive top-tier education. The new programme will undergo evaluation during its pilot phase in Lincolnshire, with plans to seek accreditation once the pilot is completed.

Are you responsible for improving health outcomes for people with type 2 diabetes?

We want as many people to benefit from our programme as possible. Here’s how we can work with you.

  • Around the world
    Wherever you are, we can provide our Train the Educator programme. By becoming one of our licenced partners and accrediting healthcare educators, you will be able to deliver EMPOWER 18-39 to your audiences.
  • In the UK
    Whether you work for the NHS or represent private patients or customers, we can offer a number of services in addition to our Train the Educator programme, including a full end-to-end referral, management, and evaluation service.

Get in touch

With type 2 diabetes in under 40s on the rise, it’s more important than ever to equip young adults with the knowledge and confidence they need to manage their condition.

By providing structured diabetes education, we hope to empower people to live well and avoid complications in the future, benefitting both the patient and having wider socioeconomic benefits for society.

If you’d like to discuss this more, please get in touch.

[i] https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-us/news-and-views/diabetes-prevention-week-2024-action-needed-tackle-rising-type-2-cases

[ii] https://diabetes-resources-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/resources-s3/public/2024-05/Reverse%20the%20Trend%20-%20Reducing%20type%202%20diabetes%20in%20young%20people.pdf

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