Nearly Half of People with Diabetes Don’t Know They Have It – Why Early Testing Could Save Lives
A recent Healthwatch report revealed a startling truth: nearly half of people living with diabetes – both in the UK and worldwide-don’t know they have it.
This silent progression means millions are developing irreversible complications long before they ever receive a diagnosis.
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre (MDC) in London, we see how powerful early testing can be in identifying risk, preventing damage, and transforming long-term health outcomes.
Why So Many People Are Undiagnosed
As Dr Peminda Cabandugama, an endocrinologist at Cleveland Clinic, explained, many individuals go undiagnosed because diabetes doesn’t cause pain or obvious symptoms until it’s well advanced.
In the early stages, the body gradually loses control over blood sugar regulation. By the time symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue appear, organ damage may already be underway.
Another reason is simple neglect: many people skip annual wellness checks or routine blood tests where elevated glucose levels could be easily detected.
Without testing, diabetes remains hidden.
The Science Behind Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus occurs when the body cannot properly regulate glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. There are two main types:
- Type 1 Diabetes: The immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 Diabetes: The body becomes resistant to insulin, or the pancreas cannot make enough to keep blood sugar normal.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, acts as a “key” allowing glucose to enter cells for energy. When insulin is insufficient or ineffective, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to widespread tissue damage.
What Is Prediabetes – and Why It Matters
Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet high enough to meet the criteria for diabetes.
It’s a crucial warning sign – and one that’s entirely reversible with lifestyle and medical guidance.
Without intervention, up to 70% of people with prediabetes will develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.
This is why early blood testing is one of the most valuable preventive tools in modern medicine.
The Hidden Dangers of Undiagnosed Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic, progressive disease with serious long-term consequences when left untreated:
| Complication | Scientific Explanation |
| Vision loss (retinopathy) | High glucose damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina, causing blindness. |
| Kidney failure (nephropathy) | Sugar damages kidney filters (glomeruli), leading to protein loss and renal failure. |
| Nerve damage (neuropathy) | Elevated glucose injures peripheral nerves, causing pain, tingling, or loss of sensation. |
| Heart disease & stroke | High sugar accelerates atherosclerosis – the buildup of fatty plaques in arteries. |
| Poor wound healing & infection | Impaired circulation and immune function make healing slow and infections frequent. |
These complications develop silently for years before showing symptoms, making routine screening absolutely essential.
Diagnostic Tests That Detect Diabetes Early
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, we provide fast, accurate, and confidential blood tests to detect diabetes and related conditions before damage occurs.
Our Diabetes & Metabolic Health Profile includes:
- Fasting Glucose – measures baseline sugar control.
- HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin) – reflects average blood sugar levels over 3 months.
- Insulin & C-Peptide – assess pancreatic function and insulin resistance.
- Lipid Profile – checks cholesterol and triglycerides, key in diabetic heart risk.
- Kidney Function Tests – detect early diabetic kidney damage.
- Liver Function & Uric Acid – monitor metabolic stress often linked to insulin resistance.
We also offer Advanced Endocrine Panels to identify hormonal or thyroid imbalances that can contribute to metabolic dysfunction.
Prevention Is Better Than Treatment
Even small changes make a huge difference:
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in whole grains, fibre, and lean proteins.
- Exercise at least 150 minutes per week.
- Keep a healthy body weight.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
- Get tested regularly – especially if you have a family history, obesity, or high blood pressure.
Once diabetes develops, management becomes lifelong – but prediabetes can be reversed if caught in time.
Take Control – Don’t Wait for Symptoms
You don’t need to feel unwell to take your health seriously.
A simple blood test can provide the clarity you need.
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, we offer same-day appointments and results within 24 hours, empowering you to take preventive action before symptoms ever begin.
Book your Diabetes & Metabolic Health Profile today at marylebonediagnosticcentre.com
Call +44 7495 970109 for confidential advice and testing in central London
Early testing. Early action. Better outcomes.
