Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect different parts of the body, including your eyes, nerves, kidneys, and feet. It can cause your blood sugar levels to rise, causing several complications.
Unfortunately, many people with diabetes are currently unaware of their condition. In fact, over a quarter (24.8%) of Indian patients, aged 15–49, were found to be unaware of having diabetes, according to a 2023 study published in the Journal of Global Health. This translates to a national undiagnosed diabetes prevalence of roughly 1.2%, wherein men were slightly more likely to be undiagnosed than women.
To understand the complications associated with undiagnosed diabetes and ways to identify it, the OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Dr SA Rehman, General Medicine, Associate Prof. Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences and Hospital (NIIMS), and Noida International University (NIU).
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Difference Between Undiagnosed Diabetes And Prediabetes
Dr Rehman says, “Undiagnosed diabetes occurs when a person has diabetes but has not yet been diagnosed by a medical expert.”
“This indicates that the person may have high blood sugar levels and other symptoms, but they are unaware of it due to a lack of medical diagnosis,” he tells the OnlyMyHealth team.
On the other hand, prediabetes is a stage before type 2 diabetes in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
“It is considered an at-risk state for developing diabetes if preventive steps are not implemented,” the doctor adds.
This suggests that undiagnosed diabetes has the same potential for complications as diagnosed diabetes, whereas prediabetes is a stage where it can still be reversed through preventive measures.
Signs Of Undiagnosed Diabetes
Dr Rehman says, “Recognising the symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes is critical since early discovery enables immediate intervention and control.” Some warning signs include the following:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weariness
- Impaired eyesight
- Sluggish wound healing
- Recurrent infections
Overlooking the signs of diabetes can prove dangerous, as it can lead to further complications. These include:
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Kidney damage
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Eye difficulties (retinopathy)
- Foot problems
- Skin diseases
- Hearing loss
- An increased risk of infection
- Gum damage and disease
A Final Word
According to Dr Rehman, early detection and care of diabetes, including lifestyle changes, medication (if necessary), and regular monitoring, can help reduce the risk of complications and improve overall health.
People who are at a greater risk of developing diabetes should be more vigilant and make proper lifestyle choices to reduce their risk. This includes people who are obese or overweight, those aged 45 or older, individuals who have a parent or a sibling with type 2 diabetes, people who follow a sedentary lifestyle, and those who eat unhealthy foods, drink, and smoke.
Dr Rehman concludes, “If you have any worries about your health or feel you may have undetected diabetes or prediabetes, you should seek counsel from a healthcare expert for thorough diagnosis and guidance.”