Early Onset Type 2 Diabetes (EOT2D) refers to people who have type 2 diabetes and are aged between 18-39 years old. The NHS has recently introduced a specific Health Check programme, called Type 2 Diabetes in the Young (T2Day), to support young adults with early onset type 2 diabetes. This is because we recognise young adults living with type diabetes often have additional health and social care needs, or may be more at risk of developing complications from their diabetes and need greater support. As well as a physical health check, the T2Day health check includes a focus on your mental health, emotional wellbeing and any other challenges you may be facing, whether related to your health or other aspects of everyday life.
There is also a focus on contraception and pregnancy as part of this programme. Most women with diabetes have normal pregnancies resulting in healthy babies. However, having diabetes can increase the chance of serious complications both for you and your baby. Because of this, your health review includes a particular focus on contraception and preparation for pregnancy for anyone who is sexually active and may become pregnant. There is a need to plan ahead if you are thinking of pregnancy to ensure that you have the right advice, that you are on the correct dose of folic acid, and that you are not on any medications which could be harmful to your unborn baby. For women with diabetes who do not plan their pregnancy, the risk of a serious complication (e.g. stillbirth, serious heart or birth defect) is about 1 in 10. Reassuringly, if you do plan your pregnancy with your diabetes team, your risk of serious complications falls closer to that of women without diabetes (1 in 50).
We have put together some videos to give you more in-depth information about your appointment. These videos will take you through the specifics of managing early onset type 2 diabetes, the importance of attending type 2 diabetes in the young (T2DaY) reviews, and the support available to you.
What is Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board?
Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board (ICB) is a key organisation responsible for overseeing and coordinating healthcare services within a specific region. In this case, the NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB plays a crucial role in managing and improving healthcare services for the local population. By being involved in these programmes, the ICB aims to improve care and reduce the risk of complications associated with type 2 diabetes.
Video: What is Norfolk and Waveney Integrated Care Board?
What happens during a T2DaY appointment?
During a Type 2 Diabetes in the Young (T2DaY) appointment, a member of your healthcare team will review your diabetes management and offer you personalised support to manage your condition.
Video: What happens during an appointment?
What should I expect during a review?
Diagnosis Review: Your healthcare professional will review your diabetes diagnosis and discuss your current management plan. Most people will have Type 2 Diabetes as diagnosed but some may require further investigation to confirm this. For more information, please see the following information on Diabetes UK.
Key Care Processes: Your healthcare professional will go through the diabetes care processes with you. There are nine care processes and getting them right can improve the health of people with diabetes. The care processes include a check up for your kidneys, blood pressure and your feet. An eye test is also important but this may happen at a different time, and is offered through the diabetes eye screening service.
Contraception and Pregnancy: Women of child-bearing age will be offered a discussion about contraception. If you are thinking about getting pregnant in the next few years, you will be offered support to be as healthy as possible before and during your pregnancy. More information is available in the Eastern Academic Health Science Network leaflet for patients here.
Shared Goals: You and your healthcare professional will discuss your diabetes goals.
QRISK Assessment: QRISK is a score that tells you your risk of having heart problems or a stroke in the next ten years. Your healthcare professional will explain your score and offer you support to reduce your risk.
Holistic Needs Assessment: You can discuss how your diabetes affects your life, and your healthcare professional will help you think about what would improve your health and your life overall.
Weight Management: This part of the review includes thinking about what you can do to get to a healthy weight and how this could improve your diabetes. Available support services include:
Structured Education: There is education available to help people manage their diabetes. You will receive information about education on diabetes management and self-care is available to you. Healthy Living for Type 2 Diabetes is available to everyone – if you would prefer to attend a local session, which can be particularly useful within the first 12 months of diagnosis, please ask your Healthcare Professional for a referral.
How can I get involved in T2Day?
Contact your GP to book yourself in for your T2Day review at a time that suits you. You can search for your GP’s contact details here.
These appointments are sometimes offered during enhanced access hours to fit around your schedule. It’s important to attend your diabetes review once a year for the best chance of staying healthy.
Video: How can I get involved?
How can I ask a question, find out more information, or provide feedback?
If you have a question specific to your health or about this programme, please ask your GP
Please access the link below to submit feedback on T2Day, or let us know about any question you would like us to add to our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’, which will be added to this webpage soon: https://forms.office.com/e/GZT9Mr2X0F
You can also keep up to date with more useful resources on our Knowledge NoW platform.