The diabetes study reveals the diagnostic gap that affects millions of people
NEWNow you can listen to News articles!
Almost half of adults around the world living with diabetes do not even know they have it, leaving millions vulnerable to dangerous complications.
A new broad study, published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology magazine, examined data from more than 200 countries between 2000 and 2023, tracking how health systems are identified, treating and controlling the condition.
The researchers analyzed how many people with diabetes are not diagnosed, not treated, who receive suboptimal attention or achieve optimal blood sugar control, break down by age, sex, location and year.
Cutting alcohol and medicine could before prevent “silent murderer,” experts say
The researchers found that approximately 44% of people 15 years or older with diabetes remain without diagnosing.
“Many people would not have signs or symptoms until their diabetes is very advanced, and many people do not go to the doctor often or at all for laboratory work,” said Tanya Freirich, a dietary nutritionist recorded in North Carolina, to News Digital. (She was not involved in the study).
Diabetes has been called a “silent epidemic”, since millions still do not realize that they have the potentially deadly condition. (Istock)
Most diagnosed patients, approximately 91%, receive medications, but less than half manage to control their blood sugar. That means that only one in five people worldwide effectively control their disease.
Young people are the most likely not to diagnose, despite facing serious long -term risks, such as heart disease, renal failure, blindness and nervous damage, according to the study.
Sugar in drinks linked to a higher risk of diabetes than in food, a new research finds
Geography plays a powerful role in diagnostic rates. In richer countries such as the United States and Canada, diagnostic rates are higher, although the challenges remain in the long -term management of the disease.
In low -income regions, particularly in parts of sub -Saharan Africa, less than one in five people with diabetes are aware that they have the condition.
1.3 billion people are expected to live with diabetes by 2050, and experts say that medications alone may not be enough. (Istock)
The main author Lauryn Stafford, a researcher at the Institute of Metrics and Health Evaluation at the University of Washington, said these numbers should trigger alarms for governments and health systems worldwide.
“By 2050, 1,300 million people are expected to live with diabetes, and if almost half does not know that they have a serious and potentially deadly health condition, it could easily become a silent epidemic,” he said in a press release.
Click here to get the News application
The study also suggests that the treatment itself is often short. Recipes alone do not control blood sugar, since researchers warn that health systems should also focus on monitoring, education and lifestyle support.
For some people with prediabetes, early treatment and moderate changes in lifestyle can return blood glucose levels (blood sugar) to a normal range, effectively avoiding or delaying type 2 diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association.
Previous research shows that changes in lifestyle such as Mediterranean diet could help prevent diabetes. (Istock)
Click here to register in our health newsletter
It is difficult to be accurate about the number of people who are not diagnosed, experts say.
“Those are data points that cannot be confirmed until they are diagnosed,” said Frierich. “While I do not doubt the accuracy of the tool [used in the study]there may be unknown factors that are not included in the model. “
More in health news
The dietitian recommends that everyone have semi-regular health control.
He also pointed out that increasing fiber intake with entire foods, without already processing plants, such as vegetables and nuts, in addition to staying constantly active, can reduce the risk of diabetes and help regulate blood sugar.
Khloe Quill is a lifestyle production assistant with News Digital. She and the lifestyle team cover a variety of stories issues that include food and drink, travel and health.