New Study Reveals Half of Diabetes Cases Go Undiagnosed
When was your last blood sugar check? If it has been a while, you may want to reconsider. A new diabetes study has revealed that nearly half of people living with the condition don’t know they have it—an alarming trend with serious health consequences.
The staggering numbers
According to findings published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 44% of people aged 15 and above with diabetes remain undiagnosed. The analysis covered 204 countries and tracked trends from 2000 to 2023, making it one of the most comprehensive global studies of its kind.
Lead researcher Lauryn Stafford explained that the majority of these undiagnosed cases involve type 2 diabetes, the more common form of the disease. Globally, one in nine adults lives with diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. In the United States alone, about 11.6% of the population has been diagnosed.
Why younger people are missing diagnoses
The study found that younger people are significantly less likely to know they have diabetes compared to older adults. Only about 20% of people under 35 with diabetes are aware of their condition. Routine screenings often focus on adults aged 35 and older, leaving many young people overlooked.
“You can live with high glucose levels for years without realizing it,” Stafford said. “Diagnosis often happens only when complications develop.”
Why early diagnosis matters
Early detection is crucial. As Dr. Rita Kalyani of Johns Hopkins University explained, diagnosing diabetes promptly allows for timely treatment and prevention of long-term complications. These can include heart disease, kidney damage, nerve pain, and even vision loss.
Despite available treatments, outcomes remain concerning. In 2023, only 40% of people receiving diabetes care were effectively managing their blood sugar. Experts say coexisting conditions like hypertension or kidney disease often complicate treatment.
Recognizing symptoms early
Many people with diabetes show no signs in the early stages. Still, doctors urge awareness of common symptoms such as fatigue, blurry vision, frequent urination, excessive thirst or hunger, and sudden weight loss. If you notice these or have a family history of diabetes, a blood glucose screening can make all the difference.
Can diabetes be prevented?
While type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented, type 2 diabetes risk can be reduced through lifestyle choices. Shifting to a Mediterranean or plant-forward diet, reducing red and processed meats, avoiding highly processed foods, and adding daily physical activity—like 15 minutes of brisk walking—can all help lower the risk.
As Stafford put it: “Prevention is just as critical as diagnosis. Addressing risk factors today means fewer cases tomorrow.”
A global call to action
This study highlights more than numbers—it raises an urgent call for awareness, routine screenings, and lifestyle shifts. With nearly half of cases hidden from view, the battle against diabetes begins with knowledge and timely action.
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