More than £14 million is to be allocated across England to create new teams focusing on care of type 2 diabetes in young adults, it has been announced.
NHS England said the project will provide extra support for 140,000 patients aged between 18 and 39.
It will provide extra tailored health checks and support with management of the condition and ensure patients have access to the latest treatments.
Women of child-bearing age will extra support in considering pregnancy, including advice on contraception and folic acid supplements, NHS England said.
The NHS said the programme, known as Type 2 Diabetes in the Young, would be the first of its kind globally.
One of the programme developers Dr Shivani Misra, consultant in diabetes and metabolic medicine, said: “I am delighted our research has helped to shape the T2DAY programme and look forward to supporting delivery of this innovative intervention”.
National clinical director for diabetes Professor Jonathan Valabhji said: “Type 2 diabetes in people under 40 is a growing problem globally – England is no exception, meaning there is an ever-increasing challenge for the NHS.
“We know this age group is least likely to complete vital annual health checks but we want to ensure people are able to manage their diabetes well and reduce the risk of serious complications, which is exactly why we have embarked on an ambitious and world-first initiative called T2Day: Type 2 Diabetes in the Young.
“The programme will provide targeted intervention for each person under the age of 40 living with type 2 diabetes, including additional reviews focused on completing proven diabetes care processes, managing blood sugar levels, weight management, preparation for pregnancy, and supporting any unmet psychological or social needs.”
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