Implementation advice: health inequalities in type 2 diabetes

Limited evidence for some groups

Some groups are underrepresented in clinical trials and routine data. This includes people with early onset type 2 diabetes (diagnosed at age 40 or under), trans and non‑binary people and older, frailer people. It also includes asylum seekers, people experiencing homelessness and people from a Gypsy, Roma or Traveller community. Evidence gaps can make it harder to apply guideline recommendations confidently.

Why this matters

When evidence is limited, clinicians may be unsure about risks or benefits. This may lead to variations in care or hesitation in offering recommended therapies.

What you can do

Actions for providers and healthcare professionals

  • Use shared decision making and clinical judgment to personalise care by exploring preferences and priorities when evidence is limited, reviewing this regularly.

  • Support research participation and improve data collection by helping to remove barriers to research involvement and strengthen demographic recording.

Actions for commissioners

  • Support research participation and improve data collection by supporting research involvement and data collection.

This page was last updated: