The Health and Adult Select Committee carried out an in depth review of diabetes services and support for diabetics in Barking and Dagenham last year. The review states “Type 2 diabetes is a serious health concern for Barking and Dagenham with more than 9,000 people already diagnosed. With the changes to the ethnic makeup of the population and the challenges associated with increases in adult obesity, experts believe that the numbers of people likely to develop diabetes in the next twenty years are set to rise by 50%.”

One of the recommendations from the review was to look at how young adults with type 2 diabetes could be supported in the borough.

Healthwatch Barking and Dagenham undertook this project to provide information in regards to the support needs of younger adults and their experiences of the diabetes services.