Many People Are Unaware They Have Diabetes, Highlighting the Need for Better Screening

A significant portion of the global population living with diabetes remains undiagnosed or does not receive adequate management for their condition, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington and a worldwide network of collaborators analyzed the diabetes care pathway across different regions from 2000 to 2023, encompassing all ages and genders in 204 countries and territories.

The findings reveal that in 2023, approximately 44% of individuals aged 15 and older with diabetes are unaware they have the disease. This underdiagnosis is especially prevalent among young adults, who are at increased risk for long-term complications despite often being asymptomatic. Among those diagnosed, 91% are receiving some form of medication, but only 42% of treated patients have their blood sugar levels effectively managed. Consequently, only about 21% of the total population with diabetes worldwide have their condition under optimal control.

The study also highlights significant regional disparities in diagnosis and treatment. High-income regions like North America exhibit high diagnosis rates, and the Asia-Pacific region leads in treatment among diagnosed patients. Latin America shows the highest rates of effective blood sugar control, whereas in central sub-Saharan Africa, less than 20% of people with diabetes are aware of their condition. The research underscores the growing concern that by 2050, 1.3 billion individuals are expected to have diabetes, with nearly half unaware of their condition, potentially resulting in a silent global epidemic.

Experts emphasize the urgent need to enhance screening programs, especially targeting young populations and underserved areas, alongside improving access to medications and glucose monitoring tools. The World Health Organization aims to have 80% of people with diabetes diagnosed by 2030, but current trends suggest substantial efforts are required to meet this goal.

This comprehensive analysis underscores the importance of early diagnosis and effective management to prevent severe health complications and reduce the burden of diabetes worldwide.