11 Million Americans May Be Living With Undiagnosed Diabetes

Approximately 11 million people in the United States are currently living with diabetes without knowing it, according to a new estimate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These individuals face a higher risk of developing serious health problems, including heart disease and kidney failure, because they are not receiving treatment.

The disease is the seventh leading cause of death in the country. It is also the primary cause of kidney disease. Doctors estimate that 40 million Americans have diabetes. The South, specifically the region often called the diabetes belt, has higher rates of the condition than other parts of the nation.

Dr. Adam Spitz, an endocrinologist at Novant Health in North Carolina, said the state is heavily affected. He noted that about 1 million residents in North Carolina have a confirmed diagnosis. He said an additional 250,000 people in the state have undiagnosed diabetes. Spitz warned that these patients can develop complications like eye disease and advanced kidney issues without realizing they have the underlying condition.

Andrew Tucker, a resident of North Carolina, was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes at age 35. He has managed the condition for nearly two decades. Tucker said he weighed 250 pounds at the time of his diagnosis. He changed his diet and began exercising, which helped him lose more than 30 pounds. He attributed the condition partly to genetics, noting that both his father and grandfather had diabetes. Tucker described the management process as a constant, hourly task.

Spitz said newer medications, such as GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, have helped many patients. However, he pointed out that rural and underserved communities still lack access to healthcare and education on healthy lifestyles. He also noted that an estimated 3 million people in North Carolina have prediabetes. These individuals are at a critical point where they can either develop the disease or prevent it through sustained lifestyle changes.

Tucker uses a continuous glucose monitor to track his blood sugar in real time. He recently shared a video of a doctor’s visit where his physician reported his average sugar level had improved to 129. The doctor told him his numbers were better than they had been in previous visits.

The most common signs of undiagnosed diabetes include excessive thirst, extreme fatigue, and frequent urination. Doctors recommend that individuals experiencing these symptoms consult a physician for further testing.