Silent Epidemic: 4 in 10 Diabetes Cases Undiagnosed, Study Warns
09 Sep 2025
Global diabetes diagnosis is improving, but The Lancet warns that many cases are still being missed.
A new study published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology reveals that over 40% of diabetes cases worldwide remain undiagnosed.
The research, conducted by teams at Monash University, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, and the University of Washington, estimated that in 2023, 44.2% of people over 15 with diabetes were unaware they had the condition.
Among the 55.8% who were diagnosed, 91.4% were receiving treatment, but only 41.6% had optimal blood sugar (glycaemic) levels. Treatment was defined as the use of insulin or other blood sugar-lowering medications.
Key Findings
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Regional differences are substantial:
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Highest diagnosis rates: North America
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Highest treatment rates: High-income Asia Pacific countries
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Most optimal blood sugar control: Southern Latin America
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Despite improvements over the past 20 years, undiagnosed diabetes and suboptimal management remain major challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
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The study highlights the need for better strategies and healthcare capacity to improve detection, treatment, and management of diabetes globally.
Context in Australia
A separate study by the University of Sydney suggests that up to 35% more Australians may have diabetes than recorded in the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS). Estimates indicate that around two million Australians over 45 may have the condition, compared with 1.3 million recorded cases.
With the World Health Organization reporting around 830 million people globally living with diabetes, these findings underscore the urgent need for early detection, effective treatment, and improved diabetes management worldwide.
(Source: The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology, Monash University, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, University of Washington, University of Sydney)
