Dr Max Pemberton says type 2 diabetes should no longer be seen only as a condition that appears later in life. Writing about new figures showing a worrying rise in cases among women in their 20s, he argues that many people still hold an outdated view of the illness, including some in the medical profession.
A key concern is that women may mistake early signs for something less serious. Because type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, symptoms may be brushed off as everyday stress, tiredness or other common health issues, delaying a diagnosis at a stage when action could make a major difference.
The article stresses the importance of recognising possible warning signs and getting checked early rather than assuming you are too young to be at risk. That shift matters because earlier testing can identify problems with blood sugar before the condition becomes more serious.
Pemberton also highlights that type 2 diabetes is not always a one-way path if it is caught in time. Early lifestyle changes, including healthier eating, more physical activity and weight management, can help improve blood sugar control and may, for some people, lead to remission. His broader message is that younger women need to take the risk seriously instead of relying on old assumptions about who gets the disease.
