Are Young Adults Unaware of Their Diabetes? The Lancet Study Reveals Shocking Facts
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A startling study reveals that many young adults with diabetes are unaware of their condition, potentially leading to severe health risks. As the number of undiagnosed cases rises, urgent action is needed to improve awareness and treatment.
Key Takeaways
- A large percentage of young adults are unaware of their diabetes.
- 44% of individuals aged 15 and older are undiagnosed.
- Underdiagnosis is most prevalent among those aged 15-39.
- Only 21% of diabetes patients have optimal management globally.
- Urgent action is needed to improve awareness and access to care.
New Delhi, Sep 9 (NationPress) A significant number of young adults diagnosed with diabetes do not realize they have the condition, presenting a serious health threat, as indicated by a recent study featured in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology.
Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine examined the diabetes care cascade across all age groups, genders, and 204 countries and territories from 2000 to 2023.
The findings revealed that in 2023, approximately 44 percent of individuals aged 15 and older living with diabetes remain unaware of their status.
However, this figure marks an improvement from 2000, when 53 percent of individuals were undiagnosed, indicating progress in diabetes detection over the years.
The highest rates of underdiagnosis were found among young adults. Those aged between 15 and 39 years had the lowest diagnosis rate globally, with only 26 percent being diagnosed in 2023. This demographic faces an increased risk of long-term complications compared to those diagnosed later, as they may live with diabetes for a more extended period, according to the researchers.
“By 2050, an estimated 1.3 billion individuals are projected to be living with diabetes, and if nearly half remain ignorant of their serious and potentially life-threatening condition, it could evolve into a silent epidemic,” remarked Lauryn Stafford, the lead author and researcher at IHME.
The study also highlighted that among those diagnosed, 91 percent were receiving some form of pharmacological treatment.
Yet, only 42 percent of those undergoing treatment managed their blood sugar levels effectively. This results in a mere 21 percent of all diabetes patients worldwide having their condition under proper management.
Despite advancements over the past two decades, the research uncovered considerable disparities in diagnosis and treatment across regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
High-income North America exhibited the highest diagnosis rates, while high-income Asia Pacific showed the greatest treatment rates among diagnosed individuals.
Southern Latin America recorded the highest optimal blood sugar management rates among treated individuals, whereas Central sub-Saharan Africa faced the most significant diagnosis gaps, with less than 20 percent of people with diabetes aware of their condition.
Considering the rapid increase in cases, the study emphasizes the urgent necessity for investment in screening programs for younger populations and improved access to medications and glucose-monitoring tools, particularly in underserved areas.
Point of View
I believe that the findings from this study are a wake-up call for our society. The increasing number of undiagnosed diabetes cases among young adults is alarming and highlights the urgent need for enhanced screening and awareness campaigns. We must take a proactive approach to ensure that those at risk receive the care they need, ultimately safeguarding our future generations.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main finding of the study published in The Lancet?
The study revealed that a significant proportion of young adults with diabetes are unaware of their condition, posing a considerable health risk.
How many young adults are estimated to be undiagnosed with diabetes?
In 2023, approximately 44 percent of individuals aged 15 and older with diabetes were unaware of their condition.
What percentage of diagnosed individuals are receiving treatment?
The study found that 91 percent of those diagnosed were on some form of pharmacological treatment.
What disparities in diabetes diagnosis and treatment were highlighted?
The study noted significant regional disparities, especially in low- and middle-income countries, where diagnosis and treatment rates were substantially lower.
What steps are recommended to address the issue?
There is an urgent need for investment in screening programs for younger populations, as well as improved access to medications and glucose-monitoring tools.
