The study, published in The Lancet: Diabetes and Endocrinology, provides one of the most comprehensive global assessments of diabetes care, tracking trends between 2000 and 2023. It highlights that while diagnosis and treatment rates have improved in some regions, enormous disparities persist across countries, age groups and gender.
The Scale of the Problem
According to the research, an estimated 561 million people were living with diabetes in 2023, the majority with type 2 diabetes. However, only 55.8 per cent of them had been diagnosed, leaving 248 million people worldwide unaware of their condition.
Among those diagnosed, more than 90 per cent were receiving treatment, but only around 40 per cent had managed to bring their blood sugar under control. This means that just 21.2 per cent of all people with diabetes globally – or about 119 million individuals – had optimal blood sugar control, a figure experts warn is far too low.
The consequences of delayed diagnosis are severe. Undetected diabetes significantly increases the risk of complications such as kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage, heart disease and even amputations.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research team analyzed 266 data sources from 119 countries, covering all regions included in the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project. They examined blood sugar test results, including fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), from individuals aged 15 and above.
Using advanced statistical modeling, researchers divided participants into five groups: undiagnosed, diagnosed but untreated, treated without control, treated with uncontrolled blood sugar, and treated with controlled blood sugar.
The study spanned 204 countries and territories between 2000 and 2023, offering a panoramic view of how diabetes is detected and managed worldwide, as per a report by Eating Well.
Gender and Age Disparities
The analysis revealed notable disparities by gender and age. Men were less likely to be diagnosed (51.8 per cent) compared with women (59.8 per cent). Younger adults also had lower diagnosis and control rates compared to older adults, even though middle-aged groups saw the highest number of undiagnosed cases due to higher prevalence.
Experts say this pattern reflects both lifestyle risks among younger populations and a tendency to overlook routine checkups until later in life.
Regional Differences: A Stark Divide
Regional variations were among the most striking findings of the study. High-income regions such as North America (82.9 per cent diagnosed), southern Latin America (79.9 per cent), and western Europe (77.5 per cent) showed the highest diagnosis rates.
In stark contrast, central sub-Saharan Africa recorded only 16.3 per cent diagnosis rates, with Niger at an alarming low of 10.7 per cent. These figures reflect inequalities in access to healthcare, diagnostic facilities, and public health awareness.
Progress also varied over time. For instance, central Latin America recorded significant improvements in diagnosis, while southern sub-Saharan Africa showed almost no progress over two decades.
The Growing Burden of Undiagnosed Diabetes
The number of people with undiagnosed diabetes rose sharply from 143 million in 2000 to 248 million in 2023. This increase, researchers say, is driven partly by the global rise in diabetes prevalence due to sedentary lifestyles, obesity and dietary factors.
Even in regions where healthcare systems have improved, the pace of diagnosis has not kept up with the growing number of cases. This widening gap signals an urgent need for more effective public health measures.
Why Early Detection Matters
Health experts stress that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial in reducing long-term risks associated with diabetes. Routine screenings, particularly for individuals with risk factors such as family history, obesity, and physical inactivity, can make a significant difference.
Dr. Lynn Stafford, one of the study’s lead researchers, said, “Diabetes is manageable if detected early. But when left undiagnosed, it silently damages organs for years before symptoms appear.”
Limitations and Considerations
While the study provides valuable insights, researchers acknowledged some limitations. In countries with little or no direct data, estimates were based on regional averages and related health factors such as body mass index.
Moreover, the classification system may have underestimated the number of people successfully controlling diabetes through lifestyle changes alone, since such individuals may not have been counted as “treated.”
Still, experts agree the findings present one of the clearest pictures yet of the global diabetes crisis.
Implications for Healthcare Systems
The study emphasizes that stronger healthcare systems are essential, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. While diagnosis rates above 80 per cent are achievable in wealthier regions, some parts of sub-Saharan Africa are lagging with rates below 20 per cent.
Access to affordable diagnostic tools, medications, and patient education are central to closing this gap. Public health campaigns, community screening programmes, and government-supported treatment initiatives are seen as critical steps to improve outcomes.
What This Means for Individuals
For individuals, the findings highlight the importance of regular health checkups. Medical professionals advise that anyone with a family history of diabetes, excess body weight, or other risk factors should undergo routine screenings.
Lifestyle measures such as adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and monitoring blood sugar levels can play a crucial role in prevention and management.
Meal plans like the Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, have been shown to support better blood sugar control and overall cardiovascular health.
FAQs
How many people worldwide are living with diabetes?
As of 2023, around 561 million people were living with diabetes globally, the majority with type 2 diabetes.
How many people with diabetes remain undiagnosed?
Nearly 248 million people worldwide were undiagnosed in 2023, representing almost half of all people with diabetes.
as a Reliable and Trusted News Source