The World Health Organisation has raised concerns that over 40 per cent of people living with diabetes globally are unaware of their condition, warning that delayed diagnosis could deny millions access to essential treatment and care.
The global health agency issued the warning ahead of World Diabetes Day, marked annually on November 14, with this year’s theme, “Early action on diabetes”.
According to a report published on the United Nations website and cited by our correspondent on Friday, WHO said people who do not know they have diabetes may miss out on the medical support needed to manage the condition and maintain healthy lives.
The organisation identified increased thirst, frequent urination, persistent tiredness and blurred vision as common warning signs, urging the public to recognise the symptoms and seek medical attention when necessary.
It explained that Type 1 diabetes often develops rapidly, while Type 2 diabetes usually progresses gradually and may produce few or no noticeable symptoms.
WHO also warned that Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age and is sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosed, particularly among adults. It stressed that early recognition could help ensure timely diagnosis and life-saving treatment.
WHO pushes for 80% diagnosis by 2030
The 2026 campaign places emphasis on early detection, access to comprehensive healthcare and tackling the stigma faced by people living with diabetes.
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WHO said improving diagnosis rates remained a global priority, noting that one of the five global diabetes coverage targets endorsed by its member states is to ensure that at least 80 per cent of people with diabetes are diagnosed by 2030.
The agency, however, noted that identifying cases must go hand in hand with affordable healthcare, timely treatment and sustained support for patients.
It also advocated healthier living environments, including better access to nutritious food, safe spaces for physical activity and quality health services, to help prevent Type 2f,d y. d diabetes and improve disease management.
The organisation further emphasised that consistent access to quality diabetes care was essential to preventing complications and enabling patients to live healthy and fulfilling lives.
On discrimination, WHO described stigma against people living with diabetes as widespread, harmful and preventable, insisting that those affected deserved understanding and support.
It also called for more responsible language and imagery when discussing the condition, noting that how people with diabetes are portrayed can influence public attitudes towards them.