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. 2025 Nov 13;11(1):131.
doi: 10.1186/s40900-025-00799-9.

Involvement of underserved 18-40 year olds living with early-onset type 2 diabetes in the M3 NIHR programme grant

Rebecca Pritchard  1 , Melanie Davies  2 , Tommy Slater  3 , Fran Barer  2 , Barbara Czyznikowska  4 , Carol Akroyd  4 , Krishna Patel  4 , Jack Sargeant  3 , Michelle Hadjiconstantinou  3 , Hannah Rowntree  3 , Jonathan Goldney  5 , Emma G Wilmot  6 , Shivani Misra  7 , Natalie Darko  3
Affiliations

Involvement of underserved 18-40 year olds living with early-onset type 2 diabetes in the M3 NIHR programme grant

Rebecca Pritchard et al. Res Involv Engagem. .

Abstract

Background: The M3 Research Programme is funded by an NIHR Programme Grant for Applied Research (NIHR201165), and aims to develop and test the effectiveness of an innovative multifactorial management intervention to address multimorbidity in young adults (aged 18-40 years) diagnosed with type 2 diabetes ('early-onset type 2 diabetes'). We reflected on the involvement of young adults, who in some cases additionally experienced intersectional exclusion.

Methods: Reflective discussion groups were conducted with research personnel and public contributors, and a collaborative online forum was used to further provide opportunity for public contributors to share their thoughts.

Results: Themes drawn from the reflections and online forum aligned well with the NIHR UK Standards for Public Involvement.

Discussion: Tips for good practice in public involvement of young adults were derived. (1) Build collaborative team culture. (2) Open and honest reflective communication. (3) Communicate team responsibilities clearly. (4) Plan involvement with public contributors. (5) Embed public involvement early in the project. (6) Assess resource requirements realistically. (7) Gain support and engagement from clinical teams. (8) Be flexible, offering a range of ways to get involved. (9) Include contingency and risk planning as part of public involvement planning. (10) Provide training in public involvement, cultural competence, and contingency and risk planning. (11) Develop policies and procedures that support public involvement. The reflection also afforded some insight into facilitators of academic engagement in delivery of public involvement activities.

Keywords: Early onset type 2 diabetes; Ethnic minority; Intersectional exclusion; PPI; Public involvement; Stigma; Type 2 diabetes; Underserved communities.

Plain language summary

The M3 research programme team worked with people who developed type 2 diabetes earlier on in their life to create a package of care to meet their needs. Care for type 2 diabetes has typically been developed around the needs of older people, because they are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The research team and the people who worked with us (public contributors) reflected on what had helped and hindered their ability to work together. This was done in reflective discussion groups and on a collaborative online forum where people could give their feedback. It was important to get feedback because people of working age are less likely to do public involvement. These insights will help other researchers and people with early onset type 2 diabetes, and possibly similar groups of people, work well together. We came up with some tips to help future researchers: (1) Build teams that collaborate. (2) Communicate openly and honestly in teams. (3) Communicate team responsibilities clearly. (4) Plan involvement with public contributors. (5) Start public involvement early in the project. (6) Assess resource requirements realistically. (7) Gain support and engagement from clinical teams. (8) Be flexible, offering a range of ways to get involved. (9) Include contingency and risk planning as part of public involvement planning. (10) Provide training in public involvement, cultural competence, and contingency and risk planning. (11) Develop policies and procedures that support public involvement.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declarations. Ethical approval and consent to participate: The M3 Programme has been reviewed and approved by an NHS Research Ethics Committee (322040). Consent for publication: Not applicable. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Public involvement in the M3 programme
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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