44% Diabetes Patients Unaware Worldwide Across 204 Countries

Globally, about 44% of people aged 15 and older with diabetes are unaware of their condition, with younger adults particularly less likely to be diagnosed due to less frequent screenings and subtle early symptoms. In Ghana and similar regions, rising rates of Type 2 diabetes among youth are linked to lifestyle changes including poor diet and sedentary behavior, leading to earlier onset and faster disease progression. People with learning disabilities face higher mortality risks from Type 2 diabetes despite better glucose control, progressing more rapidly to severe disease and requiring insulin therapy sooner than others. South Asian populations are genetically predisposed to earlier diabetes onset and faster progression, while many miss preventive care due to busy lifestyles and lack of regular health check-ups. The International Diabetes Federation recently identified Type 5 diabetes, a form linked to childhood malnutrition resulting in severe insulin deficiency without insulin resistance, primarily affecting lean and malnourished individuals in low-resource settings and requiring different management strategies. These findings highlight the critical need for increased awareness, regular screening, and tailored healthcare approaches to address diverse diabetes challenges worldwide.