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44% of People With Diabetes Don’t Know They Have It — Here’s Why Early Detection Matters

Myke Educate
Myke Educate
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Receiving proper treatment can be life-saving — yet few people are getting the care they need.

Recent global research reveals a troubling reality: nearly half of adults with diabetes are unaware they even have the disease. Even among those diagnosed, very few achieve healthy blood sugar levels through treatment.

44% of People With Diabetes Don’t Know They Have It — Here’s Why Early Detection Matters

The findings come from a large study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, led by the University of Washington School of Medicine’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. Researchers examined diabetes care across 204 countries between 2000 and 2023.

Their analysis showed:

  • 44% of adults over 15 living with diabetes are undiagnosed.

  • 91% of diagnosed individuals are on medication.

  • Yet, only 42% of those on treatment achieve safe blood glucose levels.

This means that just 21% of all people with diabetes worldwide are receiving optimal care.

A Growing Global Health Crisis

The numbers are only expected to rise. According to the study’s lead author, Lauryn Stafford:

“By 2050, 1.3 billion people are expected to be living with diabetes. If nearly half don’t know they have this serious and potentially deadly health condition, it could easily become a silent epidemic.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that diabetes already claims 28.4 lives per 100,000 Americans each year. Without stronger screening and care, that toll could increase dramatically.

The Dangerous Complications of Untreated Diabetes

Diabetes isn’t just about managing blood sugar. If left untreated, it can cause severe, life-altering complications, including:

  • Heart disease and stroke (people with diabetes are twice as likely to suffer these events).

  • Kidney failure leading to dialysis.

  • Vision loss or blindness.

  • Hearing loss (twice as likely in diabetics).

  • Foot complications that can lead to amputation.

Proper care can dramatically reduce the risk of these outcomes, making early diagnosis and management essential.

Who Should Get Screened?

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force strongly recommends screening for adults aged 35 to 70 who are overweight or obese.

  • Overweight = Body Mass Index (BMI) of 25.0 to 29.9

  • Obese = BMI of 30 or higher


Certain groups should consider screening even earlier, including:

  • People with a family history of diabetes

  • Those who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy

  • People with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

  • Individuals from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds, who are at higher risk

How Diabetes Is Diagnosed

Doctors typically use one of these tests:

  1. Fasting Blood Glucose Test

    • Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL (5.55–6.94 mmol/L)

    • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL (6.99 mmol/L) or higher

  2. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test

    • Prediabetes: 5.7%–6.4%

    • Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

  3. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

    • Prediabetes: 140–199 mg/dL (7.77–11.04 mmol/L)

    • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher

Diabetes and Food: Why Your Meals Matter More Than You Think

When it comes to managing diabetes, one of the biggest factors that can make or break your health is the food you eat. If someone has diabetes, then diet isn’t just about filling your stomach — it directly affects blood sugar, energy, and long-term health. From my own experience watching family members live with diabetes, I’ve learned that the best food is the kind that keeps sugar levels steady — not too high, not too low.

Why Food Choices Are Critical in Diabetes

Diabetes isn’t just “high blood sugar.” In reality, it’s a metabolic disorder. That means the body struggles to process food into energy efficiently because the biochemical reactions that make up metabolism are disrupted. And since metabolism is constantly changing, the same food can affect two people very differently.

This is why nutrition is at the core of diabetes management. Food and its nutrients are essential not just for controlling blood glucose but also for preventing complications like heart disease, kidney problems, or nerve damage. Research shows that the exact same meal can produce different blood sugar spikes in different people. That’s why a one-size-fits-all diet doesn’t work for diabetes.

With new technologies, precision nutrition (personalized diet planning) is now possible. Instead of blindly counting calories, precision nutrition focuses on balance — not only carbs, proteins, and fats but also vitamins, minerals, and even gut health.

Still, there are some general rules of thumb that can help most people with diabetes.

Foods That Work Best for Diabetes

  • Whole grains such as oats, quinoa, or millets are much better than polished white rice.

  • Vegetables like spinach, okra, and broccoli help keep blood sugar balanced while providing fiber.

  • Fruits such as guava, apples, and papaya can be eaten — but in moderation.

  • Protein-rich foods (like lentils, lean chicken, or eggs) slow down glucose absorption and keep you full longer.

One major tip: instead of relying heavily on white or brown rice, try chapatis or millet-based meals. And avoid sweets or processed junk foods as much as possible. Homemade meals, eaten on time and in smaller portions, almost always work best.

The Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load Puzzle

Many people assume that if a food has a low glycemic index (GI), it’s automatically “safe.” But what really matters is glycemic load (GL), which takes into account portion size and how foods are combined in a meal.

Let me give you two examples:

Example 1: Breakfast

  • Option 1: A stuffed whole wheat flour parantha with a little ghee, curd, and achar.

  • Option 2: Two slices of white bread with a two-egg omelette.

Most people would say Option 2 is worse because white bread is high GI. But when observed in patients, the overall glycemic load of Option 2 is lower. Plus, the protein from eggs slows down digestion and helps with satiety.

Example 2: Dinner

  • Option 1: Yellow dal with tadka, steamed rice, papad, and chicken curry.

  • Option 2: A serving of ice cream with clear soup after 90 minutes.

Naturally, everyone panics at the word “ice cream.” But believe it or not, Option 1 can cause a higher glycemic load spike. Option 2, though not ideal, may result in more stable sugar levels depending on portion size and timing.

These examples don’t mean you should live on bread or ice cream — but they show how meal combinations and timing matter more than individual ingredients.

Practical Tips for Eating With Diabetes

  1. Watch portion size. Even healthy food can cause spikes if eaten in excess.

  2. Don’t mix everything at once. Spread meals throughout the day instead of eating heavy plates at one sitting.

  3. Go easy on grains. Overloading on rice or wheat can be risky. Balance them with vegetables and protein.

  4. Limit forbidden foods. Sweets, fried snacks, or sugary drinks should only be occasional treats.

  5. Choose low GI + low GL meals. Always consider both factors, not just one.


The Bottom Line

Diabetes is one of the world’s fastest-growing health challenges. With 44% of patients unaware they have it and only 1 in 5 receiving optimal care, the disease is becoming a global emergency.

The good news? Early detection, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes can prevent complications — and in some cases, even reverse the course of Type 2 diabetes.

If you’re at risk, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor about getting screened. Your future health could depend on it.

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