Millions at Risk as Over 40% of Diabetes Patients Remain Undiagnosed – WHO

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has disclosed that more than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes worldwide are unaware of their condition, raising concerns over delayed diagnosis and access to treatment.

The organisation warned that millions of people could miss out on essential medical care and support because they do not know they have the condition.

WHO raised the concern ahead of the 2026 World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, with this year’s theme focusing on “Early Action on Diabetes”.

The disclosure was contained in a report published on the United Nations website titled, “World Diabetes Day 2026: Early Action on Diabetes,” cited on Friday.

According to WHO, people who are unaware that they have diabetes may be unable to access the treatment and support required to manage the condition and maintain healthy lives.

The organisation identified increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness and blurred vision as common symptoms of diabetes, urging people experiencing such signs to seek medical attention.

It explained that Type 1 diabetes often develops rapidly, while Type 2 diabetes usually develops gradually and may present few or no noticeable symptoms.

WHO also warned that Type 1 diabetes could develop at any age and was frequently missed or misdiagnosed, particularly among adults, stressing that early recognition of its symptoms could lead to timely diagnosis and life-saving treatment.

The global health agency said closing the gap in diabetes diagnosis remained a major priority, noting that one of the five global diabetes coverage targets supported by its member states was to ensure that 80 per cent of people living with the condition were diagnosed by 2030.

It stressed that improved diagnosis must be supported by timely and affordable healthcare, appropriate treatment and continuous medical support.

WHO also called for healthier environments through improved access to nutritious food, safe spaces for physical activities and quality health services to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and support effective disease management.

The organisation further emphasised the need for uninterrupted and quality diabetes care to prevent complications and enable affected individuals to live healthy lives.

On discrimination, WHO described stigma against people living with diabetes as widespread, harmful and preventable, adding that everyone affected by the condition deserved understanding and support.

It also urged the public to use sensitive language and responsible images when discussing diabetes to avoid promoting negative stereotypes and discrimination.

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