40% of diabetes cases worldwide remain undiagnosed: Study
Limited healthcare infrastructure, including a scarcity of healthcare professionals and diagnostic equipment, can hinder the early diagnosis of diabetes.
Recent research has uncovered a concerning global pattern: around 40% of individuals living with diabetes are unaware of their condition, remaining undiagnosed. These findings stem from the 2023 Diabetes Global Industry Overview, hailed by The Guardian as the most comprehensive survey of its kind to date.
The study also revealed that the majority of undiagnosed cases are concentrated in specific regions. Africa leads with 60%, followed closely by Southeast Asia at 57%, and the Western Pacific region at 56%.
This data portrays a serious global scenario regarding diabetes awareness and diagnosis. It also indicates that half of the individuals diagnosed with do not receive treatment.
Approximately three out of four individuals reside in low and middle-income countries, where access to healthcare services is often limited.
Sasha Korogodski, the lead researcher of the report, highlighted a significant disparity: out of the 530 companies globally specializing in diabetes diagnostics, only 33 are situated in the regions most affected by undiagnosed cases — Africa, south-east Asia, and the western Pacific.
Korogodski emphasized, “Limited healthcare infrastructure, including a scarcity of healthcare professionals and diagnostic equipment, can hinder the early diagnosis of diabetes.”
The research examines data from more than 2,800 companies, 1,500 investors, and 80 research and development hubs dedicated to diabetes, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the global impact of this condition.
Caroline Mbindyo, CEO of Amref Health Innovations, a division of the NGO Amref Health Africa, stressed that half of all Africans lack access to essential healthcare services. Mbindyo noted that for many residing in remote areas, reaching a healthcare facility can take hours or even days.
Despite substantial investments, diabetes continues to be a major contributor to global mortality. In 2021, nearly 7 million deaths worldwide were attributed, with a staggering expenditure of over $970 billion on treatment. The research also revealed that the majority of organizations engaged in diabetes research and care — specifically over 70 companies, accounting for 55% globally — are based in the United States.
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