Concern over the number of young people being diagnosed with type two diabetes

Diabetes New Zealand says type two is becoming increasingly common among youth - something almost unheard of two decades ago.

The organisation says young people are more likely to develop the disease if their mother has the condition - especially in their pregnancy.

Diabetes NZ Chief Executive Heather Verry says type two diabetes is particularly aggressive in youth.

She says they develop complications earlier and faster than adults - and a child who is diagnosed at age eight could have kidney disease by 18.