Researchers like Professor Dianna Magliano are concerned that too many people under 40 are being diagnosed with young-adult-onset diabetes. She’s now launching new research to understand why and give them new hope.
Head of the Diabetes and Population Health laboratory and Co-Lead of the Diabetes Program at the Baker Institute, Professor Dianna Magliano, has a long-term commitment to using big data to create change.
Dianna is currently leading a consortium across 24 countries to map global changes in diabetes incidence and mortality. Her past research has included linking large datasets such as Australia’s National Diabetes Service Scheme with national registries of health records. This impressive work has significantly strengthened the capacity for diabetes-related research in Australia.
“When we combine and analyse datasets, we can recognise trends and answer questions we could never have answered before,” Dianna says. Her years of research revealed a large gap in knowledge around young-adult-onset diabetes, which is now the focus of the PREDICTION study she is leading at the Baker Institute.
“Young people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are often overlooked. This study is for them,” she says. “We think that the trajectory to complications [for younger people] is much more rapid than for someone who gets diabetes in their older age.
But why does this happen? If you get diabetes when you’re 25, why is your health likely to deteriorate faster?
“If we can find out, we can intervene, stopping early heart attacks or kidney disease in their 50s and push their complications way out into their older age,” Dianna explains.
The study also explores the mental health challenges young adults may face. “We want to better understand the interaction between psychological risk factors and biological risk factors and whether together, this causes complications earlier than normal.”
Right now, Dianna is seeking an additional 400 participants. “We need young people who are early in their diabetes journey. Within five years, we will have data that will explain health outcomes and potentially stop complications.”
Like all groundbreaking research, the PREDICTION study lays foundations for largescale change. With the continued support of caring people like you, together, we can build a healthier future for every young person living with diabetes.
Getting to know Dianna
Professor Dianna Magliano has spent two decades working in epidemiology. The majority of her work has focused on diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity research.
What’s the best thing about working at the Baker Institute?
It’s exciting to find results that are novel and actually matter. I really like working with my PhD students, watching them grow and develop into experts in their chosen topic within diabetes.
What’s your biggest goal?
I want to take the stigma away from diabetes, especially type 2. We don’t all start at the same place in life, factors including genes, culture and environment all have an impact.
What are your healthy intentions for 2026?
To improve my Pickleball game! I love to run as well. In 2026 I want to explore new hobbies; I’d like to try pottery.
What do you think is the best exercise to prevent diabetes?
I often say the best exercise is to push yourself away from the table!
