400,000 Dutch People Have Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes, Study Finds

Nearly 400,000 people in the Netherlands are living with type 2 diabetes without knowing it, according to research released Tuesday by the Diabetes Fonds. The findings, based on analysis of data from the Netherlands Cohorten Consortium, reveal a “hidden diabetes crisis” that is significantly larger than previously understood.

The research, which combined data from eleven long-term cohort studies involving over 200,000 participants, provides a more reliable estimate of undiagnosed cases than previous assessments. “For the first time, this hidden group of patients has been mapped accurately and reliably,” said Professor Miranda Schram, a diabetes epidemiologist, in a statement. “We already knew that a very large number of people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but now in addition to that, 400,000 people have diabetes without knowing it. This is extremely worrying.”

Type 2 diabetes, unlike type 1 which is an autoimmune condition, is largely linked to lifestyle factors such as obesity and poor diet, leading to insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels. While early stages can sometimes be reversed through lifestyle changes, prolonged undiagnosed diabetes can lead to severe and irreversible health problems, including nerve damage, eye problems, kidney failure, heart disease, and even dementia. The Diabetes Fonds estimates that half of all people with type 2 diabetes will eventually experience one or more of these serious complications.

The difficulty in detecting type 2 diabetes lies in its often vague early symptoms. Individuals may experience increased fatigue, thirst, and frequent urination – symptoms easily attributed to other conditions, delaying a visit to the doctor. “Diabetes is a silent killer because the symptoms are quite vague,” explained Schram. “People are a little more tired, more thirsty, drink more, and have to go to the toilet more often. These are symptoms that can be associated with other illnesses and people don’t immediately go to the doctor. That is the most important step to take for people at increased risk.”

The longer high blood sugar levels remain untreated, the greater the risk of long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, and potentially the brain. While medication, a healthy lifestyle, and insulin can effectively manage the condition and prevent further damage, early detection is crucial. “The number is really alarming,” Schram added. “On the one hand, I am shocked, but we have been seeing a large group of people with prediabetes for some time now. So, the increase is not that surprising. It is the logical consequence of a development we have been seeing for years. Dutch people are simply getting fatter. We exercise less, eat less healthily and have more overweight.”

Diena Halbertsma, general director of the Diabetes Fonds, emphasized the importance of awareness. “Awareness of how great your risk of diabetes is, is essential. If you know where you stand, you can limit health damage and sometimes even prevent the disease.” The Diabetes Fonds has launched a risk assessment test on its website, consisting of eight questions related to factors like waist circumference and family history of diabetes.

Researchers are calling for broader preventative measures, including policies to make healthy food more affordable and accessible, and initiatives to promote increased physical activity. The long-term implications of the growing number of undiagnosed cases remain a significant concern for public health officials.