Nearly Half of Global Diabetes Cases Remain Undiagnosed, IHME Report Warns
Seattle, WA – A new report from teh Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) reveals that approximately 49.7% of the 537 million adults living with diabetes worldwide are undiagnosed as of 2021, possibly creating a looming global health crisis. Published September 14, 2023, the IHME’s Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 findings highlight a significant gap in diabetes detection and care, especially in low- and middle-income countries. This lack of diagnosis not only endangers individuals by delaying treatment but also strains healthcare systems and increases the risk of severe complications.
The report underscores that undiagnosed diabetes is a hidden epidemic, contributing too increased rates of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, blindness, and amputations.The IHME analysis,encompassing data from 2000 to 2021,indicates that the number of people with diabetes has more than tripled during this period,driven by factors like population growth,aging populations,and rising rates of obesity. Without improved screening programs and access to healthcare, the number of undiagnosed cases is expected to continue to climb, exacerbating the global burden of the disease.
According to the IHME report, the highest percentages of undiagnosed diabetes are found in Central and South asia, East Asia, and Oceania. The study emphasizes the need for increased investment in primary healthcare infrastructure, particularly in regions with limited resources, to facilitate early detection and effective management of diabetes.The IHME recommends prioritizing culturally tailored public health campaigns to raise awareness about diabetes risk factors and the importance of regular health checkups.
The full report and accompanying data visualizations are available on the IHME website: https://www.healthdata.org/.
