Almost half of those with diabetes don’t know they have it. Are you one of them?
Study finds millions of people live with undiagnosed diabetes
- A new study has found that almost half (44 per cent) of people aged 15 and older with diabetes worldwide are undiagnosed.
- The research, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology journal, analysed data from 204 countries and territories collected between 2000 and 2023.
- Lauryn Stafford, the lead author, stated that most undiagnosed cases are Type 2 diabetes, with only 20 per cent of young adults with the condition being aware of it.
- Globally, an estimated 830 million people have diabetes, and over half are not receiving treatment, indicating major challenges in diagnosis and management, especially in low and middle-income countries.
- Many individuals remain undiagnosed for years until complications develop, as symptoms can be subtle, emphasising the need for testing if potential signs are present.