Health risks from undiagnosed diabetes

The leading UK diabetes charity Diabetes UK has issued a warning that as many as 500,000 people with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes could be facing a future of ill health. Early diagnosis, and regular management of the disease, could reduce risks of diabetic complications, the charity said.
The chief executive of Diabetes UK, Douglas Smallwood, reportedly commented: “It is shocking that more than half a million people are going about their daily lives unaware they have a condition that puts them at greater risk of devastating complications. Some people can go undiagnosed for up to 12 years and around half of people with Type 2 diabetes are already showing signs of complications when they are diagnosed, due to their diagnosis being later than it should be.”
He reportedly concluded: “This is a tragedy as diabetes is a manageable condition and many people live full and healthy lives. The sooner people are diagnosed, the sooner they can start treating their condition and taking control of their lives.”