Posted by Chinenye on Fri 13th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
The World Health Organisation says more than 40 per cent of people with diabetes do not even know they have the sickness.
(WHO. Image Credit: Eurac Research)
The World Health Organisation says more than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes around the world do not know they have it.
It warns that without early detection, millions cannot get the care, treatment and support they need.
The warning came ahead of World Diabetes Day, which falls on November 14.
This year's theme is "Early action on diabetes."
WHO says people who do not know they have diabetes cannot get treatment or support to manage it and live well.
Common signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness and blurred vision.
Type 1 diabetes often comes on fast, while Type 2 usually builds up slowly and may cause few or no symptoms.
WHO warns that Type 1 can start at any age and is often missed or misdiagnosed in adults.
One of WHO's global targets is to have 80 per cent of people with diabetes diagnosed by 2030.
The agency says better diagnosis must go hand in hand with affordable, timely care and ongoing support.
It also called for healthier surroundings, such as access to nutritious food, safe places to exercise and good health services, to help prevent Type 2 diabetes and manage it well.
WHO also said discrimination against people with diabetes is widespread and avoidable, and it urged people to be careful with the words and images they use when talking about the condition.