Young people with diabetes across England will benefit from more consistent, high-quality care following the launch of a comprehensive new toolkit by NHS England. The resource, designed for patients aged 0 to 25, aims to standardise diabetes support nationwide—addressing a critical gap in care that has long concerned families and healthcare professionals alike.
The 'Children and Young Adults (0 to 25 years) diabetes toolkit' tackles every aspect of diabetes management, from clinical care and mental health support to education and the often-challenging transition to adult services. It provides healthcare professionals with clear guidance on delivering patient-centred care, recognising the unique pressures young people face when managing a lifelong condition.
This initiative comes at a crucial time. NHS data shows over 4.3 million people in the UK are living with diabetes—a figure that continues to rise. Whilst Type 2 diabetes predominantly affects adults, Type 1 diabetes is most commonly diagnosed during childhood and adolescence. Early, effective management is vital to prevent serious long-term complications including kidney disease, nerve damage, and sight problems.
The toolkit places particular emphasis on the often-problematic transition from paediatric to adult diabetes services—a period that can leave young people feeling abandoned or overwhelmed. Many struggle to adapt to new healthcare environments and increased personal responsibility for their condition. The new guidance provides strategies to ensure smoother, more supportive handovers, helping young adults maintain good health outcomes as they mature.
Importantly, the resource acknowledges the psychological toll of living with diabetes. Young people with chronic conditions face significantly higher risks of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. The toolkit promotes integrated care pathways that include mental health screening and access to appropriate support services—recognising that treating the whole person, not just the condition, is essential for wellbeing.
For families navigating diabetes care, this toolkit represents NHS England's commitment to improving and standardising support for younger generations. It provides a framework for more consistent, tailored care that should lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life. If you have concerns about diabetes care, speak to your GP or call NHS 111 for advice.
Source: NHS England