Background: The incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) among younger women now accounts for 40% of females with T2DM. Women of reproductive age with T2DM have additional health considerations and their needs may differ from older populations. Objectives: To identify the health issues encountered by women aged 16-45 years living with T2DM; to determine the modifiable risk factors associated with living with diabetes; to specify ideas for interventions to meet age and genderspecific diabetes-related healthcare needs. Methods: A systematic search was performed in the following databases; MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Maternity and Infant Care. Databases were searched without time and study design limits. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool was used to assess the methodological quality of included studies. Data were narratively synthesised due to the mixed methods evidence included. Results: A total of 32 papers were included in the review from which six domains were identified from the synthesis: (1) diabetes related modifiable risk factors: blood glucose, cardiovascular risk, neuropathy/nephropathy/retinopathy, diabetes self-management barriers (2) reproductive health: diabetes care before pregnancy, pre-pregnancy care barriers and expectations of women, contraceptive use (3) psychosocial wellbeing: depression symptoms and diabetes distress, perception of T2DM, emotional concerns about pregnancy (4) sexual function; (5) menopause; (6) sociocultural factors: social support, cultural norms. Conclusion: This review highlighted specific health issues affecting women of reproductive age with T2DM and which represent an important focus for health services research and health care delivery. Future research needs to address identified health domains to improve women’s health and well-being living with T2DM. Prospero Registration number: CRD42019146535.

Background: Online self-management education programmes are now recommended for people with type 2 diabetes to improve self-management capacities. There is limited evidence to determine whether such programmes improve the health outcomes for midlife adults with diabetes. Aims: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the impact of online self-management interventions with digital consulting on glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), total cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes distress, self-efficacy, and depression in midlife adults. Methods: A systematic review was undertaken searching Medline, Embase and CINAHL. Studies were appraised using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Results: Eight studies were included. Online interventions resulted in the improvement of HbA1c (pooled mean difference on HbA1c: -0.35%, 95% CI (-0.52, -0.18), P<0.001). A narrative synthesis was conducted for all secondary outcomes. No conclusions could be drawn on the impact of these outcomes. Conclusion: Online interventions improve HbA1c. Further research is needed for secondary outcomes.

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Aim: To understand the health needs, experiences, and views of women with type 2 diabetes in relation to diabetes, reproductive health experiences, and general wellbeing.Method: A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. Thirty-six women with type 2 diabetes (median age 37 years; age ranges 20-45 years; median diabetes duration 4.5 years), recruited through social media and charities in the UK (n = 23) and Turkey (n = 13). Video interviews (n = 28) were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Email interviews (n = 8) and transcribed video interviews were analysed using Framework Analysis.Results: Two overarching themes were identified: (1) Perception of self and identity, (2) type 2 diabetes care is not orientated to women's needs. These themes highlight that living with type 2 diabetes was negatively perceived by the women in terms of their self-identity and reproductive health. Women reported that the diabetes care provided was often not appropriate or relevant to their health needs, and neglected issues of relevance to them. The women voiced ideas for enhancing current care to reflect their health needs, in particular the need for more emotional and peer-based support. Conclusion:Living with type 2 diabetes may negatively impact how women view themselves and how they relate to the roles they identify with such as, as a partner, mother, colleague. Current healthcare systems are not orientated to the specific needs of younger women with type 2 diabetes with limited opportunities to target their diabetes care around their health and wellbeing concerns and interests.