ISLAMABAD: A new study revealed that Diabetes, “the silent killer,” remains undiagnosed in nearly half of those affected by it.
According to details, the researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine and elsewhere analysed data from 204 countries and territories for all ages from 2000 to 2023. In 2023, 44% of individuals 15 years and older with diabetes were unaware they had it, the study revealed.
The research warned that young adults are especially at risk of going undiagnosed, at least partially because diabetes is largely associated with middle age.
The study highlights that despite progress in diabetes awareness and care over the past two decades, diagnosis and treatment remain inadequate, especially in low and middle-income countries.
Among those diagnosed:
91% receive some form of treatment
Only 42% manage to control their blood sugar levels
Which means just 21% of all people with diabetes globally are actually managing the disease effectively
Scientists estimate that by 2050, the global number of patients with diabetes will be about 1.3 billion, and if half of them are unaware of it, it can become a very worse and deadly public health epidemic.
Symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes
Early Warning Signs:
Excessive thirst
Dry mouth that doesn’t go away
Hunger constantly
Frequent urination
Sudden and unexpected weight loss or gain
Later warning Signs (because blood sugar remains high):
Headaches
Blurry vision
The health experts stress the importance of regular screening, especially for those with risk factors, to catch the disease early and begin treatment before complications arise.
The study was published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
