New publication highlights the perspectives of younger adults living with type 2 diabetes in Greater Manchester
A new paper published in BMJ Open has shed light on the challenges and perspectives of younger adults living with type 2 diabetes in Greater Manchester.
The Prioritising Action on Diabetes in Greater Manchester work, led by Prof. Peter Bower (Professor of Health Services Research at The University of Manchester and the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Greater Manchester (ARC-GM) Lead for Evaluation), was undertaken as part of the Novo Nordisk funded Cities Changing Diabetes Programme.
The mixed method study, of participants with type 2 diabetes aged between 18 and 40, explored the barriers to and opportunities for successful diabetes prevention; diagnosis, care and management; and overall health and wellbeing.
The researchers identified five different perspectives on living as a younger adult with type 2 diabetes, characterised as:
- stressed and calamity coping;
- financially disadvantaged and poorly supported;
- well-intentioned but not succeeding;
- withdrawn and worried;
- young and stigmatised.
The study builds on earlier research in the wider project which showed that adults under the age of 40 are under-diagnosed in the care record. The research involved collecting data from participants across Greater Manchester using a survey, and then inviting them to take part in an interview or focus group to understand their perspectives in more detail.
It found that people aged 18 to 40 years shared some common experiences, but required different solutions to their problems. It also showed that there are five identifiable sub-groups of younger adults living with type 2 diabetes in the region.
Lead author Dr Sarah Croke, Research Associate at The University of Manchester and part of the NIHR ARC-GM Evaluation Theme, said:
“Our research identified some particular challenges for younger adults living with type 2 diabetes in Greater Manchester, especially for those with work, children and family commitments. We also found significant differences in the preference for support, access to information and ability to follow self-management advice. People living with diabetes in this age group want to be healthy and may benefit from improved, tailored support to help them avoid, delay onset or live better with type 2 diabetes.”
A full report summarising the breadth of research undertaken throughout the Cities Changing Diabetes in Greater Manchester project can be found here.
Cities Changing Diabetes is a commitment to drive action against type 2 diabetes and obesity in cities globally, it is a global public-private partnership programme that aims to address the systemic issues underlying the rise in obesity and type 2 diabetes and aims to reduce health inequity.
Since the launch of Cities Changing Diabetes in 2014, the global programme has grown to more than 40 cities.