Nearly half of people with diabetes remain undiagnosed, study finds
A new global study has revealed that nearly half of all people living with diabetes are unaware they have the disease, highlighting a major gap in care despite two decades of modest progress. The research, published in the Lancet as part of the Global Burden of Disease Study, analyzed data from 2000 to 2023 across 204 countries and territories.
As of 2023, only 55.8% of individuals aged 15 and older with diabetes had been diagnosed. Of those diagnosed, 91.4% were receiving treatment, but just 41.6% of treated individuals had their blood sugar levels under optimal control, according to the study. This means that globally, only about 1 in 5 people with diabetes is both treated and well-managed.
The study also showed wide regional disparities. High-income countries such as those in North America and Asia Pacific showed better rates of diagnosis and treatment, while low- and middle-income regions lagged behind.
“Despite improvements over the past two decades, underdiagnosis and suboptimal glycaemic management of diabetes remain major challenges globally, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries,” the study said, emphasizing the need for targeted investments in health systems to improve early detection and long-term management of the disease.
Read more: The Lancet
The article presented here is intended to inform you about the broader media perspective on dentistry, regardless of its alignment with the ADA's stance. It is important to note that publication of an article does not imply the ADA's endorsement, agreement, or promotion of its content.