The World Health Organisation has raised concern that more than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes worldwide remain undiagnosed.
This is as the agency warns that the lack of early detection could prevent millions from accessing the care, treatment and support needed to manage the condition.
The global health body disclosed this ahead of World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14, with the 2026 edition focusing on the theme, “Early action on diabetes”.
Our correspodent cited this on Friday from a report on the United Nations website, titled, “World Diabetes Day 2026: Early action on diabetes.”
WHO raises the alarm over undiagnosed diabetes
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 live healthy lives.”
The organisation identified increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness and blurred vision as common symptoms of diabetes, urging greater awareness of the signs to help people recognise when to seek medical support.
It noted that “Type 1 diabetes often develops rapidly, while Type 2 diabetes typically develops gradually and may cause few or no noticeable symptoms.”
WHO also “warned that Type 1 diabetes could develop at any age and was frequently missed or misdiagnosed, particularly in adults,” stressing that “recognising its symptoms could lead to diagnosis and life-saving treatment.”
WHO targets 80% detection by 2030
The 2026 World Diabetes Day theme highlights the importance of early diagnosis, access to comprehensive care and efforts to reduce the stigma associated with the condition.
WHO said closing the gap in diabetes diagnosis remained “a global 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 diabetes were diagnosed by 2030.”
The organisation stressed that improving diagnosis must be accompanied by access to timely and affordable healthcare, as well as continuous support for people living with the condition.
It also called for healthier environments, including access to healthy food, safe places for physical activity and quality health services, as measures that could reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes and support effective management of the condition.
WHO further emphasised the importance of uninterrupted, quality diabetes care in reducing complications and helping patients live healthy and fulfilling lives.
On stigma, the organisation said “discrimination against people living with diabetes was widespread, harmful and preventable, adding that everyone affected by the condition deserved support.”
It stressed that the words and images used when discussing diabetes mattered, urging greater sensitivity in how people living with the condition were represented.
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