The World Health Organisation has disclosed that more than 40 per cent of people living with diabetes globally do not know they have the condition, raising concerns over delayed diagnosis and access to treatment.
The global health agency warned that millions of people could miss opportunities for timely medical care and proper disease management because they remain unaware of their health status.
WHO made this known ahead of the 2026 World Diabetes Day, marked annually on November 14, with this year’s theme focusing on “Early Action on Diabetes.”
According to a report published on the United Nations website, the organisation stressed that early identification of the condition was essential to preventing complications and improving the quality of life of affected individuals.
“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,” WHO warned.
The agency identified persistent thirst, frequent urination, fatigue and blurred vision as some of the common warning signs that could indicate diabetes.
It explained that Type 1 diabetes could develop rapidly, while Type 2 diabetes often progressed gradually, sometimes without obvious symptoms.
WHO also cautioned that Type 1 diabetes could occur at any age and was sometimes overlooked or wrongly diagnosed, particularly among adults.
The organisation emphasised that recognising the symptoms early could help patients receive appropriate diagnosis and potentially life-saving treatment.
WHO Targets 80 Per Cent Diagnosis by 2030
As part of efforts to address the growing diagnosis gap, WHO said increasing the proportion of people who know their diabetes status remained a major global health priority.
It disclosed that one of the five global diabetes coverage targets endorsed by its member states was to ensure that at least 80 per cent of people living with the condition were diagnosed by 2030.
The agency, however, stressed that identifying cases alone would not be sufficient without affordable treatment, accessible healthcare services and continuous support for patients.
It also advocated healthier living environments, including access to nutritious food, safe spaces for physical exercise and quality healthcare, to help prevent Type 2 diabetes and improve disease management.
WHO further called for uninterrupted access to quality diabetes care, noting that effective management could reduce complications and enable patients to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.
WHO Raises Concern Over Discrimination Against Patients
The global health body also highlighted the stigma and discrimination experienced by people living with diabetes.
It described such treatment as widespread, harmful and preventable, insisting that affected individuals deserved understanding and support rather than discrimination.
WHO also urged the public and media to be mindful of the language and images used when discussing the condition, noting that how diabetes patients are represented can influence public attitudes towards them.
The agency called for stronger awareness, early diagnosis and inclusive healthcare policies to ensure that people living with diabetes receive the attention and support they need.
