Psychosocial care and experiences in young adults living with early-onset type 2 diabetes: A narrative review

Molly Caba; Márcia Carvalho; Angus Forbes; Rita Forde; Kirandip Gill; Mohsin Khalifa; Judith Parsons; Jane Speight; Paula M Trief; Michelle Hadjiconstantinou

doi:10.1111/dme.70352

Psychosocial care and experiences in young adults living with early-onset type 2 diabetes: A narrative review

Diabet Med. 2026 May 9:e70352. doi: 10.1111/dme.70352. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Diabetes Research Centre, Division of Global, Lifestyle and Metabolic Health, College of Life Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
² Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing, Midwifery & Palliative Care, King's College London, London, UK.
³ School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
⁴ Public Contributor, Leciester, UK.
⁵ The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD), Diabetes Victoria, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
⁶ SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, USA.
⁷ NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, UK.

PMID: 42104849
DOI: 10.1111/dme.70352

Abstract

Aims: To review the literature on psychosocial care and experiences of young adults with early-onset type 2 diabetes (EOT2D), to identify what is known, current gaps and to develop recommendations to help advance psychosocial care and support for the population.

Methods: We searched Medline (Ovid), Google Scholar and diabetes-specific journals for English-language articles focused on psychosocial aspects in young adults (aged 18-45 years) with EOT2D. Two people with lived experience reviewed and commented on the review findings.

Results: Growing evidence indicates that a diagnosis of EOT2D is associated with an increased risk of developing diabetes-related psychological comorbidities. Experiences of diabetes-related stigma, compounded by age-related negative preconceptions, contribute to heightening the psychosocial impact of EOT2D. Some population sub-groups appear to be more likely to experience adverse psychological effects. However, the evidence base is limited by a dearth of diverse research specifically focused on the psychosocial experiences and needs of this population (e.g., longitudinal and qualitative studies). Adults with EOT2D also experience unmet education, care and support needs relevant to optimising their psychosocial well-being and diabetes management. Overall, they require enhanced, tailored care and support that is age-appropriate, person-centred and responsive to their psychosocial needs. Digital technology and support-based strategies may help to address current gaps and improve the psychological well-being of this group, but these require further exploration.

Conclusions: Despite the importance of psychosocial factors in young adults' diabetes management and outcomes, there remain gaps in research and practice and the need for further research, alongside changes in practice.

Keywords: psychosocial factors; psychosocial intervention; psychosocial support; review literature; self‐management; type 2 diabetes mellitus; young adult.

Publication types

Review