44% of people over the age of 15 living with diabetes are undiagnosed, according to a new global study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. This means that nearly half of patients are unaware of their condition.

The analysis covers data from 204 countries for the period 2000–2023. Most cases are type 2 diabetes. It turns out that young people under 35 are the least diagnosed—only 20% of them know they have the disease.

Experts warn that late detection increases the risk of serious complications – heart disease, kidney failure, neuropathies and vision loss. At the same time, only 40% of those treated achieve optimal blood sugar control.

Specialists call for more preventive examinations, especially in people with a family history of the disease, as well as prevention through healthy eating and regular physical activity. | BGNES