Friends of Know Diabetes North West London

23/07/2026

More young women in their 20s are now being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, according to new NHS data analysed by researchers at Imperial College London ‼️

While type 2 diabetes has traditionally been associated with older adults, this research suggests that pattern is changing.

Experts say the increase is closely linked to rising obesity levels since the pandemic, with some of the biggest increases seen in women aged 20 to 29.

Early diagnosis is important. Recognising symptoms such as:

🫩 Feeling unusually tired

💧 Feeling thirsty more often

💦 Needing to urinate more frequently

This can help people seek support sooner and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

For many people, type 2 diabetes can be prevented or even put into remission through lifestyle changes, while others may need medication or additional support.

The key message is not to ignore the signs or delay speaking to a healthcare professional if you're concerned.

Diabetes can affect people of all ages, and understanding the symptoms can make a real difference.

England is seeing "a worrying increase" in women in their 20s developing type 2 diabetes, say experts. Here's what to look out for.

14/07/2026

What happens when people living with diabetes come together to support one another?

Join us this Friday as Grace Daker and Chloe Stipinovich share how the Hammersmith and Fulham Diabetes UK group has become much more than a support group.

We'll hear about living with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, making connections, volunteering and helping others who may be at the beginning of their own journey.

📅 Friday 17 July | 🕐 1 PM

Join our Facebook Group to watch live:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofknowdiabetes

We'd love you to join us live.

09/07/2026

Volunteers' Week may have taken place in June, but it's never too late to recognise the people who give their time to support others. 💙

On Friday 17 July at 1 PM, Charlie will be joined by Grace Daker and Chloe Stipinovich from the Hammersmith and Fulham Diabetes UK group.

They'll be sharing their own diabetes journeys, talking about what they've gained through volunteering and explaining why local support groups can make such a positive difference.

We hope you'll join us live for what promises to be an inspiring conversation.

📅 Friday 17 July | 🕐 1 PM

Join our Facebook Group to watch live:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsofknowdiabetes

09/07/2026

Being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes under the age of 40 can mean a different approach to treatment. ⬇️

Diabetes Nurse Consultant Sharon McCarthy from London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, and a member of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline committee, explained on Home Show why younger adults may receive earlier treatment to help reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications later in life. 🌱

The latest NICE guidance recognises that someone diagnosed in their 20s or 30s could be living with diabetes for many decades, so early treatment can play an important role in protecting long-term health.

Read more:
https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/major-changes-to-type-2-diabetes-treatment-could-save-thousands-of-lives

Were you diagnosed before the age of 40, and was your treatment plan explained to you?

02/07/2026

If you've been told you have Type 2 diabetes, you've probably heard of metformin. 💊

But why is it usually one of the first medicines people are prescribed?

Diabetes Nurse Consultant Sharon McCarthy from London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust, and a member of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline committee, explained on Home Show that most people with Type 2 diabetes are still producing insulin.

The challenge is that their body isn't using it efficiently due to insulin resistance. Metformin helps the body respond to its own insulin more effectively.

The updated NICE guidance recommends offering most people metformin alongside an SGLT-2 inhibitor from the start of treatment, while recognising that care should always be tailored to the individual.

Read more:
https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/major-changes-to-type-2-diabetes-treatment-could-save-thousands-of-lives

How was insulin resistance explained to you when you were first diagnosed? 💬

02/07/2026

Charlie recently took part in One Walk London, organised by Breakthrough T1D UK, to raise money for life-changing Type 1 diabetes research.

Having supported many Diabetes UK events over the years, Charlie wanted to experience One Walk for himself. What impressed him most wasn't just the organisation or the London landmarks. It was seeing so many children living with Type 1 diabetes enjoying the day alongside their families and communities.

As Charlie explains, these young people face challenges every single day, yet seeing their confidence, determination and smiles was the highlight of the event.

Community events like One Walk help families feel connected, supported and hopeful while raising vital funds for research that could change lives.

If you'd like to support Charlie's fundraising, you can donate here:
https://support.breakthrought1d.org.uk/fundraisers/charliechurchill/one-walk-london

24/06/2026

This week, we're live with the NICE Diabetes Guidelines Update! ✨💡🌟

Join Charlie and special guest Sharon McCarthy from London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust for a live conversation exploring the latest Type 2 diabetes guidance from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

Sharon was part of the NICE committee responsible for developing the guidance and will be answering questions from our community.

📅 Friday 26 June
🕐 1pm

Join our Facebook Group to watch live.

https://fb.me/e/4RKgeIiEp

23/06/2026

17,000 fewer deaths over three years. 👇

That's one of the figures being discussed following the latest Type 2 diabetes guidance from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.

The recommendations include earlier access to medicines that help protect the heart and kidneys, alongside a stronger focus on personalised treatment decisions.

It's significant news.

But it also raises plenty of questions. 👀

What medicines are changing?

Who benefits?

What should people be asking at their next diabetes review?

That's why we're delighted to welcome Sharon McCarthy from London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust to our next Home Show. Sharon was part of the NICE committee that developed the guidance and will help explain what it all means in plain English.

Read the article:
https://www.nice.org.uk/news/articles/major-changes-to-type-2-diabetes-treatment-could-save-thousands-of-lives

Join our Facebook Group to watch live on Friday 26 June at 1pm.