Approximately 400,000 people in the Netherlands are living with type 2 diabetes without knowing it, according to research released on Tuesday by the Dutch Cohort Consortium. The study, commissioned by the Diabetes Fund, highlights a significant public health concern, as undiagnosed diabetes can lead to serious and long-term health complications.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes, however, is largely linked to lifestyle factors like obesity and an unhealthy diet, causing the body to turn into resistant to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. In its early stages, type 2 diabetes can sometimes be reversed through lifestyle changes.
According to the Diabetes Fund, half of all individuals with type 2 diabetes eventually experience severe health issues, including nerve damage, eye problems, dementia, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease.
How can so many people be unaware they have type 2 diabetes?
“Diabetes is often called a ‘silent killer’ because the symptoms can be quite vague,” explained lead researcher Miranda Schram, professor of diabetes epidemiology. “People might feel a bit more tired, experience increased thirst, drink more fluids, and urinate more frequently. These symptoms can be associated with other illnesses, and people may not immediately consult a doctor. For individuals at higher risk, this is the most important step to take if they experience these symptoms.”
“Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause serious damage to the eyes, kidneys, and potentially the brain over time. Fortunately, it’s treatable with medication, a healthy lifestyle, or insulin, which can prevent this damage. However, the longer high sugar levels persist, the more damage develops. Early lifestyle changes can often be enough to prevent complications.”
Were you surprised by the study’s findings?
“The number is truly alarming,” Schram said. “While we’ve long observed a growing number of people with prediabetes – the stage before diabetes – this isn’t entirely surprising. It’s a logical consequence of a trend we’ve been seeing for years: people in the Netherlands are simply becoming more overweight, less active, and eating less healthily.”
How did you arrive at the figure of 400,000?
“For the first time, we were able to combine data from eleven long-running, large-scale cohort studies, where individuals have been followed for years. Some of these studies have been ongoing for forty years and are spread throughout the Netherlands. More than 200,000 people participated in this research, allowing us to draw highly reliable conclusions.”
What needs to happen now?
“If we don’t take action, this trend will continue. I urge people to monitor their risk of diabetes,” Schram stated. The Diabetes Fund has launched a risk assessment. By answering eight simple questions about factors like waist circumference and family history of diabetes, individuals can determine if they are at increased risk.
“I also call on policymakers to create a healthier environment. Healthy food should be more affordable and the easier choice, and we need to promote more physical activity.”
