Early diabetes diagnosis can help avoid serious complications

Early diagnosis and treatment can help people living with diabetes manage their condition to avoid or delay potentially life-threatening complications.

According to recent figures from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 537 million people were living with diabetes in 2021. This number continues to rise, with predictions indicating it will reach 643 million people by 2030. More worryingly, nearly half of those currently living with diabetes (45%) are unaware of their condition, putting them at increased risk of developing debilitating and potentially life-threatening complications.

What’s at risk with diabetes

Common diabetes complications include loss of vision, heart disease and stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage and complications in pregnancy. These can reduce quality of life, increase the need for medical care and cause premature death. In 2021 alone, approximately 6.7 million adults between the age of 20 to 79 are estimated to have died as a result of diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for around 90% of all diabetes, often develops silently, with symptoms that can go unnoticed.

It is therefore crucial that people at risk of developing the condition, and healthcare professionals, are equipped with the knowledge to spot the signs of diabetes to treat and manage the condition.

Knowing diabetes signs to inform response

Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for around 90% of all diabetes, often develops silently, with symptoms that can go unnoticed. This lack of awareness prevents or delays action to diagnose and manage diabetes, leading to potential complications.

Common early signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, slow-healing wounds, blurred vision and feeling tired. Making more people aware of these signs and the risk factors for type 2 diabetes can support earlier diagnosis and treatment.

How to avoid complications and manage diabetes

Treatment and daily management of the condition, primarily through a healthy diet and physical activity, alongside medication and education, can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life. Addressing the risk factors for type 2 diabetes and adopting a healthy lifestyle early can also prevent the onset of the condition. Risk factors include age, being overweight, ethnicity and a family history of diabetes.

People living with diabetes, those at risk and the health professionals who look after them must be provided with the knowledge and tools to prevent the onset of the condition and, consequently, avoid or delay diabetes complications. Through comprehensive care and education, as well as ongoing and affordable access to medicines and supplies, we can improve lives.