Early Onset Type 2 diabetes
Developing type 2 diabetes under the age of 40 is sometimes referred to as ‘early onset type 2 diabetes’ and comes with an increased risk of other long-term conditions compared to later onset type 2 diabetes.
These risks can be reduced with changes you can make yourself as well as through support from the NHS.
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There are lots of things that can be done to reduce risks of complications with even the potential to reverse the condition or at least delay the need for additional medication.
There are a number of areas to focus on:
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Support to Aim for Remission
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Pregnancy and Contraception
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Medication Optimisation (when needed)
There are various services locally which can help support with the above areas.
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Support to Aim for Remission
We used to think of Type 2 Diabetes as a condition which always needed medication and that this medication would gradually need to be strengthened/added to. In more recent years it has become clear that this is not the case and it is possible for some people to get their sugar levels down through dietary measures. Remission is where your sugar levels are in the non-diabetic range for over three months without diabetes medication.
There are various ways to try and achieve remission. As a PCN we have had a lot of success recommending people reduce their dietary carbohydrates as a way of improving sugar levels. There is also the option for a more intensive dietary intervention using soups/shakes for which there is more information below. The late Michael Mosley's book "The 8-week blood sugar diet" is a great introduction to these topics.
You can find an introduction to the low-carb approach on our website here. It is important that people using SGLT2 inhibitors e.g. Dapagliflozin do not cut out carbohydrates completely. Those on Insulin or Sulphonylureas e.g. Gliclazide are at increased risks of low glucose levels if they cut their carbohydrate intake without reducing their medication.
If you are interested in the option of total dietary replacement with Soups and Shakes as a way of potentially achieving remission then have a look at the information in the box below with information on a service available.
You can sign up to a virtual Eventbrite meeting to discuss the programme here