Early onset type 2 diabetes to be the focus of new virtual course
A new eLearning course to improve the treatment and management of early onset type 2 diabetes has been launched by Effective Diabetes Education Now (EDEN).
Entitled ‘Early Onset T2 Day Education Programme’, the course has been commissioned by NHS England and developed by clinical experts from EDEN and the Leicester Diabetes Centre (LDC).
Designed to highlight the unique needs of young adults living with type 2 diabetes, the course is free to complete.
Professor Melanie Davies, Co-Director of the LDC, said: “There is an urgent need for targeted interventions for people with early-onset type 2 diabetes, who have specific needs that are different to those who develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
“Healthcare professionals and service providers need to address the challenges and barriers young people with type 2 diabetes may face, such as being in full time work or education, having young families, high burden of mental health illness, diabetes stigma, higher levels of socioeconomic deprivation and a higher prevalence in people of ethnic minority backgrounds.”
She added: “This course aims to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and confidence to tailor their services to better support this group of people and potentially reduce the risk of subsequent health conditions.”
Laura Willcocks, EDEN’s Assistant Director of Integration, Education and Innovation, explained: “In an area of increasing prevalence it is imperative that people with early onset type 2 diabetes have high quality care.
“EDEN has a track record of developing and delivering excellence in education and drawing on the research from the LDC’s work in this area.”
She added: “Components of the course include Diagnosis and Management, Preconception and Pregnancy Care, Cardio-Renal Metabolic Management and Psychological Wellbeing and Support.”
Clare Hambling, National Clinical Director Diabetes & Obesity, NHS England, said: “The steep rise in type 2 diabetes observed in those under the age of 40 years and higher lifetime risk of developing diabetes-related complications as a result of the condition make early onset type 2 diabetes a growing concern and national priority.
“Healthcare teams play a vital role in delivering high quality treatment and care to people living with early onset type 2 diabetes.”
She added: “This new, free online course is accessible to healthcare professionals across the country, and is ideal to include as part of team training or for educational development plans for clinicians at every level working with people aged 18 to 39 living with type 2 diabetes.”
140,000 people aged 18 to 39 are living with early onset type 2 diabetes in England, presenting a growing challenge for the NHS.
Early onset type 2 diabetes carries higher risks of complications and premature mortality compared to later-onset cases, with the risks being particularly high among ethnic minorities and people from deprived areas.
Young adults with type 2 diabetes, especially those aged 19 to 25, are less likely to:
Receive all recommended annual care
Have a HbA1c level at or below the NICE standard, increasing the likelihood of long-term complications.
To find out more visit https://www.eot2deden.com.