Nearly half of those living with diabetes are unaware they have the condition, a new study claims. Published on September 8 in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, the research analyzed data from 204 countries and territories between 2000 and 2023 and revealed that 44% of people aged 15 and older with diabetes remain undiagnosed.
Globally, about 830 million people are affected, yet more than half are not receiving treatment, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States alone, the CDC estimates 38.4 million people had diabetes in 2021, with 8.7 million adults unaware of their condition.
The CDC urges testing for anyone experiencing symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurry vision, or slow-healing wounds.
According to the International Diabetes Federation, over 90% of people with diabetes have the type 2 variety. Type 2 diabetes most often develops in people aged 45 or older, but children and young adults can also develop the chronic disease. Over time, high blood sugar can cause significant health complications, so it's essential to keep type 2 diabetes managed.
But is it possible to reverse the condition? Find out by clicking through this informative gallery.