Why Young Adults With Diabetes Go Undiagnosed for Years
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology has revealed a major public health issue: most young adults with diabetes are unaware they have the condition. According to researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, approximately 44% of people aged 15 and older with diabetes globally were undiagnosed in 2023. The study analysed diabetes trends across all ages, sexes, and 204 countries from 2000 to 2023.
While the rate of undiagnosed diabetes has improved from 53% in 2000, the problem remains critical, especially for younger adults who face a higher risk of developing severe long-term complications due to delayed diagnosis.
Why Young Adults Are at Higher Risk
Among all age groups, young adults with diabetes those aged 15 to 39 are the least likely to know they have the disease. In fact, in 2023, only 26% of this group had been diagnosed. Researchers point out that this is particularly dangerous because younger individuals tend to live longer with the disease, increasing their chances of developing heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and other serious complications over time.
Lauryn Stafford, lead author of the study, warns:
If nearly half of the people with diabetes don’t know they have it, the condition is quietly spreading into a silent epidemic. By 2050, we could see 1.3 billion people living with diabetes worldwide.
Treatment Gaps and Poor Disease Control
The study also highlights major problems in diabetes care. Among people who were diagnosed with diabetes, 91% were taking medication to control their condition. However, only 42% of those on treatment were able to keep their blood sugar within the recommended healthy range. This means that globally, just about 1 in 5 people with diabetes have their condition well-managed.
This situation is particularly worrying for young adults with diabetes, because without early diagnosis and proper treatment, they are likely to live many more years with uncontrolled blood sugar. Over time, this can lead to serious complications such as heart disease, kidney problems, and nerve damage.
Geographic Disparities Widen the Challenge
The study found major regional differences in diagnosis and treatment rates. High-income regions such as North America had the highest diagnosis rates, while high-income Asia Pacific countries led in treatment rates. Southern Latin America showed the best results in optimal blood sugar management.
On the other hand, Central sub-Saharan Africa showed the greatest challenges, with less than 20% of people with diabetes aware of their condition. Such disparities highlight the urgent need for better healthcare access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the majority of undiagnosed cases remain.
Conclusion
As diabetes cases rise rapidly across the world, the study emphasises the need for increased screening programs focused on young adults with diabetes. Experts recommend early and widespread screening, particularly for high-risk groups, to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment. In addition, improving access to affordable medications and glucose-monitoring technologies is essential, especially in underserved regions.
Without these interventions, millions of young adults with diabetes could unknowingly face serious health consequences over time.
Source:Â Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 10 September 2025
- 20:00
