Undiagnosed Diabetes Hits 44% Worldwide; Major Challenge in Poor Countries: The Lancet Study

Almost 44% of diabetics worldwide remained undiagnosed in 2023, exposing a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where proper diagnosis and management of glycaemic levels lag behind. Data from The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology reveals that India saw a 14% rise in diabetes diagnosis rates since 2000, with 43.6% of its diabetic population diagnosed in 2023. Impressively, over 97% of those diagnosed were undergoing treatment. The Global Burden of Disease study, covering 204 countries, shows that while more than half of adults aged 15 and above worldwide were diagnosed with diabetes by 2023, vast disparities exist. North America and high-income Asia Pacific regions lead in diagnosis and treatment, while central sub-Saharan Africa struggles, with fewer than 20% aware of their condition. By 2050, diabetes is projected to affect 1.3 billion people globally. Researchers urge urgent investment in youth screening and broader access to medicines and glucose monitoring, echoing WHO’s 2030 targets: 80% diagnosed and 80% of those maintaining good glycaemic and blood pressure control. Without intensified efforts, diabetes risks becoming a silent epidemic.