John, more than 4 million people in the UK are estimated to be living with type 2 diabetes, and millions more are at risk. Daily life means navigating all sorts of obstacles that we can’t control. From unhealthy food that’s cheaper than fresh fruit and veg to not having space to exercise. Nobody chooses this. But these obstacles put people at higher risk of type 2 diabetes. And increase their chances of life-changing complications.

What’s really worrying is that type 2 diabetes is now growing faster in people under the age of 40, than those over 40. We know that people diagnosed at a younger age are at a higher risk of developing serious diabetes complications. And we know that people in this age group are less likely to receive all of their essential care checks.

This Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Week (20 - 26 May), we're calling on the government to take decisions now that will determine the health of the next generation. By putting the building blocks of health in place for every child, including quality housing, access to green space, and affordable, healthy food, we can start to reverse the rise of type 2 diabetes in children and young adults.