title: The needs, concerns, and characteristics of younger Australian adults with Type 2 diabetes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The mean age of onset of Type 2 diabetes mellitus is decreasing in Australia and internationally. We conducted an internet-based survey to improve our understanding of the emotional well-being and unmet needs of younger adults with Type 2 diabetes, and to inform service provision for this group.
  
  
  METHODS
  A random sample of National Diabetes Services Scheme registrants (n = 1,417) with Type 2 diabetes, aged 18-39 years, living in the Australian state of Victoria received an invitation to complete the online survey. The study was also advertised state-wide. The survey included validated scales (PAID-5: diabetes-related distress; WHO-5: general emotional well-being) and study-specific items. A total of 149 eligible respondents participated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents reported severe-diabetes related distress; more than a quarter (27%) had impaired general emotional well-being. Most (82%) were overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25); most (77%) had at least one other co-morbidity. Lack of motivation, feeling burned out, and being time-poor were identified as top barriers to self-management. More than half (59%) of respondents had not participated in structured diabetes education. Respondents perceived that younger adults with Type 2 diabetes had different health-care needs than their older counterparts (68%), and that most Type 2 diabetes information/services were aimed at older adults (62%). Of a range of potential new services, respondents indicated greatest interest in an online forum specifically for younger adults with Type 2 diabetes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Younger adults with Type 2 diabetes have impaired emotional well-being and physical health. Population-based research is needed to confirm the current findings, to further inform service delivery and optimise outcomes for this group.
authors.affiliation: The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes, Diabetes Australia - Vic, Melbourne, Australia. jbrowne@acbrd.org.au
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Browne
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Scibilia
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Speight
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D011788:Quality of Life; D012648:Self Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014739:Victoria / Q000453:epidemiology