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Diabetes is one of the fastest-growing health challenges of our time. Around the world, more and more people are living with this chronic condition that affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. A new global study covering 204 countries from 2000-2023 found that in 2023 nearly half of all people with diabetes were unaware of their condition, and even among those diagnosed and treated, only a minority managed to keep their blood sugar under optimal control (Stafford, L. K., et al 2025). In this article, you’ll learn why diabetes often goes unnoticed, what the consequences of late diagnosis are, and how you can recognize the warning signs early.
Table of Content
- What is diabetes?
- Why is diabetes so often undiagnosed?
- Do you know your risk of diabetes?
- Common signs of diabetes to look out for
- Ways to lower your risk of diabetes
- Summary
Looking at data from 204 countries between 2000 and 2023, researchers estimate that in 2023 only about 56% of adults with diabetes had been diagnosed, meaning nearly half were unaware they had the disease. Among those diagnosed, about 9 in 10 received treatment, but only 4 in 10 of treated patients achieved optimal blood sugar control. Put simply, just 1 in 5 people with diabetes worldwide were both diagnosed and well managed. These findings highlight the urgent need for earlier testing and better long-term care (Stafford, L. K., et al 2025).
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose). This happens because insulin (the hormone that moves sugar from the blood into your cells for energy) is missing or not working as it should:
- Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Without insulin, blood sugar rises. This type usually begins in childhood or young adulthood, but it can occur at any age.
- Type 2 diabetes: The most common form. Here, the body doesn’t make enough insulin and/or the cells don’t respond properly to it (insulin resistance). It mainly affects adults, though it is increasingly seen in children and teens.
- Prediabetes: A stage before type 2 diabetes, when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2023
Why good diabetes management matters
As highlighted earlier, only about 1 in 5 people with diabetes worldwide are both diagnosed and well managed (Stafford, L. K., et al 2025). When diabetes goes undetected or blood sugar remains poorly controlled, it can silently damage the body and raise the risk of serious complications over time:
- Cardiovascular diseases (heart attacks, strokes)
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage and foot problem
- Sight problems and vision loss
- Gum disease
Source: NHS, 2025
A diabetes diagnosis may feel overwhelming, but with the right care it is manageable. Many people, including actor Tom Hanks, live well with the condition. The real danger lies in missed or uncontrolled diabetes, which can lead to severe disease or even death. For instance, singer Johnny Cash died from complications related to diabetes (PESAU, n.d.).
Why is diabetes so often undiagnosed?
The research also revealed striking regional differences: with the highest diagnosis rates in high-income North America and the highest treatment rates in high-income Asia Pacific, and the best blood sugar control in southern Latin America (Stafford, L. K., et al 2025). These patterns show how access to healthcare and awareness strongly influence outcomes.
On an individual level, there are several reasons why diabetes often goes undiagnosed:
- Silent symptoms: in the early stages, diabetes may cause minimal or no noticeable signs, making it difficult for individuals to recognize the condition.
- Slow development: specifically type 2 diabetes often progresses gradually, making it harder to notice changes.
- Lack of routine screening: especially for younger adults or those without regular health check-ups.
- Limited access to healthcare: in some regions ( e.g. in low- and middle-income countries), testing and treatment may not be easily available.
- Awareness and knowledge gaps: people may not recognize the risk factors (e.g. family history or weight) or early warning signs.
- Social and cultural barriers: stigma, cost, or lack of health education may prevent people from seeking care.
Source: Pengpid, S. et al., 2022; Young Choi, J., et al., 2024; Abate, T. W., et al., 2024; Sagesaka, H. et al., 2018
Do you know your risk of diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes develops when an autoimmune reaction destroys the body’s insulin-producing cells and, at present, cannot be prevented. Prediabetes and type 2 diabetes share the same risk factors, with prediabetes further raising the likelihood of progressing to type 2. The following table shows the risk factors of type 1, 2 and prediabetes:
| Risk Factors of Type 1 Diabetes | Risk Factors of Prediabetes, Type 2 Diabetes |
| Having a parent or sibling with type 1 diabetes. Age: most often develops in children, teens, or young adults; though it can occur at any age. Ethnicity: In the United States, White people are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes than African American and Hispanic or Latino people. | Having overweight or obesity Physically inactive (less than 3 times per week) Dietary risks (for example inadequate fruit and vegetable intake) Smoking => 45 old Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes Having had gestational diabetes or delivered a baby over 9 pounds Ethnicity: African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, or Asian American people have a higher risk |
Source: CDC, 2024
Common signs of diabetes to look out for
Diabetes can sometimes be silent, but common signs include:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ketones in the urine
- Fatigue and weakness
- Irritability or mood changes
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Frequent infections (gum, skin, vaginal)
Source: Mayo Clinic, 2024
When to see a doctor
As the study showed, only about half of people with diabetes are diagnosed, and just 1 in 5 are both diagnosed and well managed (Stafford, L. K., et al 2025). To avoid being part of this hidden group, it’s important to see a doctor if you:
- Have any of the symptoms (listed above).
- Have multiple risk factors (listed above).
- Already have diabetes and notice worsening control or new symptoms.
Even without symptoms, adults should have their type 2 diabetes risk checked every three years starting at age 40.
Source: Healthdirect Australia, 2024
Ways to lower your risk of diabetes
The good news: simple everyday steps can lower your risk and help manage diabetes:
- Stay active: regular exercise helps regulate blood sugar.
- Eat balanced meals: limit added sugars, refined carbs, and focus on whole foods.
- Limit alcohol, quit smoking.
- Maintain a healthy weight: even small weight loss can reduce risk.
- Get screened regularly: a simple blood test can detect diabetes or pre-diabetes.
Source: Healthdirect Australia, 2024
To make screening easier, the Homed-IQ Blood Sugar Test allows you to check your (long-term) blood sugar status (HbA1c) quickly and conveniently from home.
Summary
Diabetes is on the rise globally, and the latest research shows that nearly half of people with the condition remain undiagnosed. Even among those receiving treatment, only a small fraction achieve good control. The message is clear: awareness, early screening, and proper management can make a huge difference. If you are at risk or notice symptoms, don’t wait, talk to a healthcare professional about getting tested.
References
Abate, T. W., Genanew, A., Gedamu, H., Tegenaw, A., Ayalew, E., Berhie, A. Y., Ergetie, T., & Shibesh, B. F. (2024). Unmasking the silent epidemic: a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of undiagnosed diabetes in Ethiopian adults. Frontiers in endocrinology, 15, 1372046. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2024.1372046
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2024, May 15). Diabetes risk factors. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/risk-factors/index.html
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, February 17). Diabetes: What it is, causes, symptoms, treatment & types. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7104-diabetes
Healthdirect Australia. (2024). Type 2 diabetes. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/type-2-diabetes#:~:text=type%201%20diabetes.-,What%20are%20the%20symptoms%20of%20type%202%20diabetes?,having%20wounds%20that%20heal%20slowly
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024). Diabetes – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444
NHS. (2025, June 26). Diabetes. Retrieved September 15, 2025, from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes
PESAU. (n.d.). Celebrities with diabetes. https://www.pesau.net.au/celebrities-with-diabetes/
Stafford, L. K., Gage, A., Xu, Y. Y., Conrad, M., Beltran, I. B., Boyko, E. J., … & Ong, K. L. (2025). Global, regional, and national cascades of diabetes care, 2000–23: a systematic review and modelling analysis using findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Pengpid, S., Peltzer, K. Prevalence and correlates of undiagnosed, diagnosed, and total type 2 diabetes among adults in Morocco, 2017. Sci Rep 12, 16092 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-20368-4
Sagesaka, H., Sato, Y., Someya, Y., Tamura, Y., Shimodaira, M., Miyakoshi, T., Hirabayashi, K., Koike, H., Yamashita, K., Watada, H., & Aizawa, T. (2018). Type 2 Diabetes: When Does It Start?. Journal of the Endocrine Society, 2(5), 476–484. https://doi.org/10.1210/js.2018-00071
Young Choi, J., Ali, M. K., & Choi, D. (2024). Determinants of health and mortality in undiagnosed diabetes: A nationally representative US adult, 2011-2020. Diabetes research and clinical practice, 210, 111634. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.diabres.2024.111634
