Archive · 2 Oct 2025
Study Reveals Low Diabetes Awareness Among Young Adults Globally
Imagine your body has a sugar problem, called diabetes.
A new study looked at how many people know they have it.
They found that many young adults don't know they have diabetes, which can be dangerous.
Even if people know, managing their sugar levels is not always perfect.
The study looked at different countries and found some are doing better than others at helping people with diabetes.
The study shows that we need to find more young people who have diabetes and help them get the right care to stay healthy.
This is very important since the number of people with diabetes keeps growing.
A study found that 44% of people aged 15 and older with diabetes were unaware of their condition in 2023.
Underdiagnosis was greatest among young adults aged 15-39, with only 26% diagnosed in 2023.
91% of diagnosed individuals were receiving pharmacological treatment.
Only 42% of those treated had their blood sugar levels optimally managed.
The study highlighted regional disparities in diagnosis and treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
- Who
- Researchers from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) studied diabetes awareness and management.
- What
- A study found that a significant portion of young adults with diabetes are unaware of their condition.
- When
- The study analyzed data from 2000 to 2023.
- Where
- Globally, but with regional disparities noted.
- Why
- To assess diabetes care and highlight the need for improved screening and treatment, particularly among younger people.
- Study Authors
- Researchers at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)
- Study Period
- 2000-2023
- Unawareness Rate (2023)
- 44% of people aged 15+
- Young Adult Diagnosis (2023)
- 26% of 15-39 year olds
- Optimal Blood Sugar Management
- 21% of all people with diabetes
- Projected Diabetes Cases (2050)
- 1.3 billion