Nearly Half of Those With Diabetes Don’t Know They Have the Disease

New Delhi, September 2025 — A new global health report has revealed a startling statistic: nearly half of people living with diabetes are unaware they have the disease. Health experts warn that this hidden crisis not only worsens long-term health outcomes but also puts additional strain on healthcare systems worldwide.

The Scope of the Problem

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), more than 500 million people globally are estimated to be living with diabetes. Of these, nearly 240 million remain undiagnosed, meaning they are not receiving treatment or making lifestyle adjustments necessary to manage the condition.

Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the majority of cases, often develops gradually, with symptoms such as fatigue, frequent urination, increased thirst, or slow-healing wounds going unnoticed or attributed to other causes. As a result, individuals can live with diabetes for years without knowing it, until complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, or vision problems appear.

Why So Many Cases Go Undetected

Medical professionals point to several reasons why diabetes often remains undiagnosed:

Lack of routine screening in many countries, particularly in low- and middle-income regions.

Limited awareness about the early signs and risks associated with diabetes.

Urban lifestyles marked by sedentary habits and poor diets, which accelerate the onset of the disease but often mask its warning signs.

Healthcare access gaps, leaving millions without the ability to seek timely medical advice or testing.

Public Health Concerns

Experts caution that undiagnosed diabetes can lead to severe complications that are far more difficult and expensive to treat than the disease itself. “By the time many people discover they have diabetes, organ damage may already have started,” said Dr. Anjali Mehra, an endocrinologist. “Early detection through simple blood sugar tests could prevent years of suffering.”

Governments and global health agencies have increasingly made diabetes awareness a priority. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged nations to expand preventive health screenings, promote healthier diets, and encourage regular exercise to curb rising cases.

The Indian Context

India, often referred to as the “diabetes capital of the world,” has over 100 million diabetics, with studies suggesting nearly 50% remain undiagnosed. The country’s rapid urbanization, rising obesity rates, and genetic predisposition have combined to make diabetes one of its most pressing health challenges.

Public campaigns such as free health check-up camps and awareness drives around World Diabetes Day (November 14) have attempted to close the diagnosis gap, but experts say far more systemic efforts are required.

The Way Forward

Health specialists emphasize that early screening — especially for those above the age of 35, overweight individuals, or those with a family history of diabetes — is crucial. Simple blood tests such as fasting glucose or HbA1c can help detect the disease in its early stages.

“Diabetes is not always a death sentence,” said Dr. Mehra. “With timely diagnosis, proper medication, and lifestyle changes, most patients can live long, healthy lives. The real danger lies in not knowing you have it.”