Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
More than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes worldwide are unaware that they have the condition, raising concerns about delayed diagnosis, limited access to treatment and the growing risk of preventable health complications.
The warning highlights a major gap in global healthcare, particularly in regions where access to routine medical examinations, diagnostic services and affordable treatment remains limited.
Undiagnosed diabetes is a significant public health challenge because people who do not know they have the condition may miss opportunities to receive medical attention, manage their blood glucose levels and reduce the risk of serious complications.
The concern is particularly relevant to Africa, where the proportion of people living with diabetes without knowing their status is considerably higher than the global average.
WHO Highlights Global Diabetes Diagnosis Gap Ahead of World Diabetes Day
The World Health Organization (WHO), in its 2026 World Diabetes Day campaign, says more than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes globally have not been diagnosed.
The organisation warns that people who remain unaware of their condition may be unable to access the medical care, treatment and support required to manage the disease and prevent serious complications.
The warning comes ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, which is being observed in 2026 under the theme “Early Action on Diabetes.” The campaign places emphasis on recognising symptoms, improving access to diagnostic services and ensuring that people receive appropriate care following diagnosis. World Health Organization +1
Millions of People Remain Unaware of Their Diabetes Status
The scale of the problem is further illustrated by estimates from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
According to the federation’s 11th edition of the Diabetes Atlas, approximately 589 million adults aged 20 to 79 were living with diabetes worldwide in 2024.
Of this number, an estimated 252 million were unaware that they had the condition.
The figures indicate that approximately 42.8 per cent of adults living with diabetes had not been diagnosed, leaving a substantial proportion of the affected population outside formal diabetes care.
The IDF estimates also show that nearly nine in 10 people with undiagnosed diabetes live in low- and middle-income countries, highlighting the unequal distribution of healthcare access and diagnostic services. Press release 2026 +1
The diagnosis gap is particularly concerning because diabetes can develop without immediately noticeable symptoms. People may therefore continue their normal activities without knowing that their blood glucose levels are abnormally high.
Africa Faces a Particularly Serious Diagnosis Challenge
Africa has one of the world’s largest gaps in diabetes diagnosis, according to the latest estimates.
Research published alongside the 2025 IDF Diabetes Atlas estimates that approximately 72.6 per cent of adults living with diabetes in the African region were undiagnosed in 2024.
This is significantly higher than the global estimate of 42.8 per cent.
The findings suggest that nearly three out of every four adults with diabetes in Africa may not know they have the condition.
The figures point to challenges involving healthcare infrastructure, limited diagnostic access, affordability and awareness.
The consequences extend beyond individual patients. When diabetes is not identified early, people may only enter the healthcare system after developing complications that require more extensive medical attention.
The research also found substantial differences between income groups. An estimated 58.7 per cent of people with diabetes in low-income countries were undiagnosed, compared with 28.9 per cent in high-income countries. PubMed Central (PMC) +1
Kenya’s Diabetes Diagnosis Gap Raises Additional Concerns
The issue is also significant in Kenya, where the cost of diabetes testing has emerged as an important barrier to early detection.
A 2026 survey commissioned by the International Diabetes Federation examined awareness and perceptions of type 2 diabetes among adults with known risk factors in six countries, including Kenya.
The survey found that only seven per cent of Kenyan respondents believed they were likely to develop type 2 diabetes, despite reporting risk factors associated with the condition.
Nearly half, or 47 per cent, identified the cost of testing as a barrier to getting checked.
The findings also showed that 79 per cent of Kenyan respondents would welcome community awareness activities to improve understanding of diabetes.
The research highlights a difference between general awareness of diabetes and people’s understanding of their personal risk.
Although many people recognise diabetes as a serious health condition, that awareness does not necessarily translate into seeking medical examinations or understanding the need for early testing. Press release 2026
These findings are particularly relevant to countries where household healthcare expenses can discourage people from seeking preventive medical services.
Why Early Diabetes Detection Matters
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how the body produces or uses insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose levels.
When the body cannot produce sufficient insulin or use it effectively, glucose can accumulate in the bloodstream.
According to WHO, prolonged high blood glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves, affecting several organs and systems in the body.
Possible complications include:
- Heart attacks and cardiovascular disease.
- Stroke.
- Kidney failure.
- Damage to the nerves.
- Vision impairment and blindness.
- Foot ulcers and lower-limb amputations.
The organisation identifies early diagnosis as an important step towards preventing or reducing the impact of these complications.
However, type 2 diabetes can develop gradually, with symptoms remaining mild or unnoticed for several years. This means that waiting until someone feels seriously unwell before seeking medical attention can delay diagnosis.
WHO recommends regular medical check-ups and blood tests through qualified healthcare providers to help identify diabetes early. World Health Organization
Symptoms People Should Not Ignore
WHO identifies several common symptoms that may indicate diabetes.
These include increased thirst, frequent urination, persistent tiredness, blurred vision and unexplained weight loss.
However, the absence of noticeable symptoms does not necessarily mean someone is free from diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes can develop rapidly and requires timely treatment, while type 2 diabetes often develops more gradually.
The WHO campaign also warns that type 1 diabetes can be missed or misdiagnosed, particularly among adults, reinforcing the importance of recognising symptoms and obtaining appropriate medical assessment.
People experiencing possible symptoms are encouraged to seek medical advice rather than attempting to diagnose themselves. World Health Organization +1
Cost, Fear and Limited Awareness Affect Testing
The IDF’s 2026 research identified several obstacles preventing people at increased risk of type 2 diabetes from seeking testing.
Across the six countries surveyed, 28 per cent identified fear of the result as a barrier, while 26 per cent cited the cost of testing.
Another 20 per cent reported difficulty getting an appointment, and 17 per cent identified a lack of time.
The survey also found that 67 per cent of respondents incorrectly believed that people at high risk of type 2 diabetes, commonly described as having prediabetes, usually experience noticeable symptoms.
This misconception can create a false sense of security and discourage people from seeking medical checks.
The IDF said improving access to testing requires health systems to make diagnostic services more convenient and affordable.
Among the approaches supported by respondents were walk-in testing services at pharmacies or supermarkets, community awareness programmes and appointments outside conventional working hours.
These findings suggest that healthcare systems must address both the availability of testing and the practical barriers that prevent people from using existing services. Press release 2026 +1
WHO Sets 2030 Target to Improve Diabetes Diagnosis
To address the growing diagnosis gap, WHO Member States have endorsed five global diabetes coverage targets to be achieved by 2030.
One of the central targets is to ensure that at least 80 per cent of people living with diabetes are diagnosed.
The other targets include:
- Ensuring that 80 per cent of diagnosed patients achieve good blood glucose control.
- Ensuring that 80 per cent of diagnosed patients have good blood pressure control.
- Ensuring that 60 per cent of people with diabetes aged 40 and above receive statins.
- Ensuring that all people with type 1 diabetes have access to affordable insulin and blood glucose self-monitoring.
These targets form part of WHO’s broader efforts to strengthen diabetes prevention, diagnosis and treatment worldwide.
However, the latest IDF estimates suggest that only 57 per cent of people living with diabetes know their status, indicating a considerable gap between current progress and the 2030 ambition. World Health Organization +2
WHO Calls for Greater Access to Affordable Healthcare
WHO’s 2026 campaign emphasises that identifying people with diabetes is only the first step towards improving health outcomes.
Diagnosis must be followed by access to affordable medicines, regular medical monitoring and appropriate treatment.
The organisation is calling on governments and policymakers to integrate diabetes prevention, early detection and quality care into primary healthcare systems.
It also highlights the importance of expanding access to affordable insulin and essential medicines, particularly in countries where healthcare resources remain limited.
For African countries, strengthening primary healthcare facilities, improving diagnostic capacity and expanding community-based screening could help reduce the number of people living with undiagnosed diabetes.
Public education is equally important. Communities need accurate information about symptoms, risk factors and the importance of medical examinations, even when individuals feel healthy.
Why the Warning Matters for Africa and the World
The growing number of undiagnosed diabetes cases presents challenges for governments, healthcare workers, families and economies.
When people receive a diagnosis late, they may require more complicated and expensive medical care because the disease has already affected other parts of their bodies.
The financial consequences can place additional pressure on households and public healthcare systems, particularly in developing countries.
For Africa, the estimated 72.6 per cent diagnosis gap highlights the need for stronger investment in preventive healthcare rather than relying primarily on treatment after complications develop.
The figures also demonstrate why diabetes should not be viewed solely as an individual lifestyle issue. Access to healthcare, economic circumstances, public awareness and the availability of diagnostic services all influence whether people can identify and manage the condition.
Closing the diagnosis gap will therefore require cooperation between governments, healthcare institutions, international organisations and communities.
What Happens Next?
As World Diabetes Day approaches on November 14, WHO is using its 2026 campaign to encourage earlier action and stronger healthcare responses.
The organisation’s message is that people should understand the symptoms of diabetes, seek medical advice when necessary and avoid delaying appropriate testing.
Governments are also being encouraged to strengthen primary healthcare services and make diagnosis and treatment more accessible.
The 2030 global diabetes targets provide a framework for measuring progress, but achieving them will require sustained investment and effective implementation.
With millions of people still unaware of their condition, improving early detection remains one of the most important challenges in the global response to diabetes.
The latest warning reinforces a critical public health message: knowing whether someone has diabetes is essential to ensuring that they receive the care needed to manage the condition and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO) – World Diabetes Day 2026.
- World Health Organization – Diabetes Fact Sheet, November 2026.
- International Diabetes Federation – World Diabetes Day 2026 Press Release.
- American Diabetes Association – Global, Regional, and National Estimates of Undiagnosed Diabetes in Adults.
- World Health Organization – First-Ever Global Coverage Targets for Diabetes.
