Healthwatch Study Reveals Nearly 50% of Individuals with Diabetes Remain Unaware of Their Condition
A recent study reveals that nearly 50% of individuals living with diabetes remain unaware of their condition, both in the United States and worldwide. This concerning statistic raises the question of why so many people go undiagnosed.
The Importance of Awareness in Diabetes
According to Dr. Peminda Cabandugama, an endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic, many people do not realize they have diabetes until they exhibit significant symptoms. By this point, individuals often experience increased thirst and frequent urination. However, these symptoms typically only surface when the disease has advanced considerably.
Challenges in Diagnosis
- Many individuals skip annual wellness visits.
- Blood tests, crucial for diagnosis, are often neglected during these visits.
Dr. Cabandugama emphasizes that without regular testing, medical professionals cannot diagnose diabetes. The same issue applies to prediabetes, a condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels that do not meet the threshold for diabetes.
Dangers of Undiagnosed Diabetes
Going undiagnosed poses significant health risks. Diabetes is a chronic illness with potential long-term consequences, including:
- Vision loss
- Kidney failure
- Heart attacks
Early diagnosis is vital for effective treatment. Dr. Cabandugama notes that numerous treatment options exist, and in some situations, diabetes can even be reversed.
Conclusion
Raising awareness about diabetes and the importance of routine health checks could significantly reduce the number of undiagnosed cases. Individuals are encouraged to engage in regular wellness visits and advocate for necessary blood sugar tests to catch the disease early.
