Hyderabad, November 13, 2026: With diabetes increasingly being detected among younger adults, doctors at Kamineni Hospitals have urged people not to wait for symptoms before undergoing blood sugar screening, particularly if they have a family history of diabetes, obesity or a sedentary lifestyle. Issuing an advisory ahead of World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14, doctors warned that delayed diagnosis could allow the disease to progress silently, increasing the risk of serious complications affecting the heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves.
The theme for World Diabetes Day 2026–27, “*Early Action on Diabetes*,” highlights the importance of early diagnosis, identifying individuals at risk, reducing stigma and ensuring timely access to continuous medical care. The campaign comes against the backdrop of a growing global diabetes burden. According to estimates cited by the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 589 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, a number projected to rise to around 830 million by 2050. Nearly four in ten adults with diabetes remain undiagnosed, underlining the urgent need for greater awareness and timely screening.
India faces an equally concerning situation, with estimates indicating that over 100 million people are living with diabetes, while approximately 136 million have prediabetes. These figures highlight the enormous population at risk of developing diabetes and the importance of identifying the condition before serious complications emerge.
Commenting on the burden, Dr. Bhavani, Senior Consultant Diabetologist, Kamineni Hospitals said, " One of the biggest challenges in diabetes management is that many people do not realise they have the condition until they undergo a routine health examination or develop complications. Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss and persistent fatigue are important warning signs that should never be ignored. However, the absence of symptoms does not necessarily mean that blood sugar levels are normal. Individuals with a family history of diabetes, excess body weight, a sedentary lifestyle or a history of gestational diabetes should discuss appropriate screening with their doctors. Early diagnosis gives us an opportunity to initiate timely treatment and significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications."
Doctors at Kamineni Hospitals have also observed a concerning trend of younger adults presenting with prediabetes, diabetes, overweight and obesity during outpatient consultations. Increasingly sedentary occupations, inadequate physical activity, irregular eating schedules, frequent consumption of processed foods and poor sleep habits are among the lifestyle factors contributing to metabolic health concerns.
" Diabetes is no longer a health concern confined to older adults. We are increasingly seeing younger individuals with elevated blood sugar levels, prediabetes and obesity. Long working hours, prolonged sitting, irregular meals, unhealthy dietary choices and inadequate sleep can contribute to the development of Type 2 diabetes, particularly among those already at risk. Prediabetes should be viewed as an important warning signal rather than a harmless laboratory finding. Timely lifestyle modifications, weight management, regular physical activity and appropriate medical guidance can help prevent or delay progression to Type 2 diabetes in many individuals", added Dr. B. Sravya, Consultant Endocrinologist, Kamineni Hospitals.
The doctors emphasised that diabetes management has advanced considerably in recent years, offering patients a wider range of treatment and monitoring options. In addition to established oral glucose-lowering medications and insulin therapy, newer medicines such as semaglutide and tirzepatide have expanded treatment options for selected patients, particularly where weight management and metabolic risk are important considerations. However, treatment decisions must be individualised based on a patient's clinical condition, associated illnesses and medical requirements.
"The most effective response to the growing diabetes burden is not to wait for the disease to announce itself through complications. Early awareness, timely screening and sustained medical care can make a meaningful difference in protecting long-term health," the doctors emphasised.
Kamineni Hospitals urged the public to use World Diabetes Day as an opportunity to assess their individual risk factors and seek medical advice regarding screening, particularly those with a family history of diabetes, overweight or obesity, physical inactivity, previous gestational diabetes or other metabolic risk factors.