World Diabetes Day emphasizes early diagnosis and timely intervention

World Diabetes Day, observed annually on November 14 to mark the birthday of insulin co-discoverer Frederick Banting, focuses this year on the theme 'Early action on diabetes.' Health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), report that approximately 590 million people globally live with the condition, a figure that is rising rapidly. Experts from the Endocrine Society of Cyprus emphasize that early detection is critical, as one in two patients with type 2 diabetes is only diagnosed after the onset of the first complication.

In Cyprus, data from the 2025 IDF Diabetes Atlas indicate that approximately 106,000 adults, or one in nine people aged 20-79, are living with diabetes. Alarmingly, over one-third of these individuals, totaling around 39,000 people, remain undiagnosed. The WHO has set an ambitious global target to ensure 80% of diabetes cases are identified at early stages by 2030, alongside improved regulation of blood pressure. Healthcare professionals are advocating for regular screenings and proactive management to prevent irreversible damage to vital organs caused by high blood glucose levels.