400,000 Dutch People Have Undiagnosed Type 2 Diabetes, Study Finds

An estimated 400,000 people in the Netherlands are living with type 2 diabetes without knowing it, according to research released Tuesday by the Dutch Cohort Consortium, commissioned by the Diabetes Fund. Untreated diabetes can lead to serious and lasting health problems, warns Miranda Schram, professor of diabetes epidemiology and lead researcher on the study.

It’s important to understand the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes, however, is largely linked to lifestyle factors such as excess weight and an unhealthy diet, resulting in insulin resistance and elevated blood sugar levels. Importantly, in its early stages, type 2 diabetes can often be reversed through lifestyle changes.

According to the Diabetes Fund, half of all people with type 2 diabetes eventually develop serious complications. These can include nerve damage, eye problems, dementia, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease.

Why are so many cases undiagnosed?

“Diabetes is often called a ‘silent killer’ because the symptoms can be quite vague,” explains Professor Schram. “People might experience increased fatigue, thirst, and urination. These symptoms are common to many illnesses and don’t necessarily prompt an immediate visit to the doctor. For individuals at higher risk, recognizing these symptoms and seeking medical attention is crucial.”

Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause significant damage to the eyes, kidneys, and potentially the brain over time. While medication, a healthy lifestyle, or insulin can effectively manage the condition and prevent further damage, early detection is key. The longer high sugar levels persist, the greater the potential for long-term complications. Conversely, lifestyle changes implemented early on can often prevent damage from occurring.

A concerning number, but not entirely surprising

“The number is alarming, ” says Professor Schram. “However, we’ve been observing a growing number of people with prediabetes – the stage before type 2 diabetes – for some time. So, while the figure is concerning, it isn’t entirely unexpected. It’s a logical consequence of trends we’ve been seeing for years: the Dutch population is becoming increasingly overweight, less active, and adopting less healthy eating habits.”

How was the figure of 400,000 determined?

“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. In total, over 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,” Professor Schram emphasizes. “I urge people to be aware of their own risk factors for diabetes.” The Diabetes Fund has launched a risk assessment tool to help individuals evaluate their risk. The test involves answering eight simple questions about factors such as waist circumference and family history of diabetes.

However, Professor Schram also calls on policymakers to create a healthier environment. “Healthy food needs to be more affordable and the easier choice. And we need to promote more physical activity.”

The insidious nature of type 2 diabetes underscores the importance of preventative measures and regular health check-ups, particularly for those with known risk factors. While genetic predisposition can play a role, lifestyle remains a significant modifiable factor in both the development and management of this increasingly prevalent condition. The findings from the Dutch Cohort Consortium serve as a stark reminder of the public health challenge posed by type 2 diabetes and the urgent need for both individual and collective action.

The Diabetes Fund’s risk assessment can be found at https://www.diabetesfonds.nl/diabetes-test.