Sharp rise in type 2 diabetes among young women

A new study has revealed that between 2017 and 2024, diagnoses of type 2 diabetes increased by 47% in women under the age of 40 while there was a 22% increase among women aged 40 to 79.

The report published in the British journal Diabetes UK states that based on a seven-year study, the rate among young men also rose by 34%. Experts say the disease is progressing more rapidly in younger individuals and can lead to early risks of heart attacks and strokes.

The report highlights that gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy) is a major contributing factor to this increase. Women who experience this condition have a significantly higher risk of developing diabetes in the following years yet there is a clear lack of proper monitoring and treatment.

Key findings of report:

• After gestational diabetes, 11% of women develop prediabetes within 5 years.
• Within 10 years, 15% develop permanent type 2 diabetes.
  Only 57% of women receive annual blood sugar testing.
• More than 33% of women reported being neglected by healthcare systems after childbirth.

Medical experts say that due to insufficient post-pregnancy monitoring, lifestyle management and timely treatment, the disease is spreading rapidly. They have called for improvements in healthcare systems especially better access for low-income groups and minority populations.