Diabetes rarely announces itself loudly. Instead, it erodes health quietly — damaging blood vessels, nerves, eyes and kidneys long before diagnosis.

The International Diabetes Federation notes that millions of adults worldwide live with undiagnosed diabetes. In many cases, symptoms are dismissed as stress, ageing, or “just being tired.”

The subtle signs clinicians listen for

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections

Why late diagnosis is dangerous

Persistently high blood sugar damages small blood vessels, leading to blindness, kidney failure, nerve damage, sexual dysfunction and increased heart-attack risk. These complications often begin years before diagnosis.

Who should be screened earlier

People over 30, those overweight, physically inactive individuals, and those with a family history of diabetes should not wait for symptoms. Screening is preventive — not reactive.

Bottom line: Diabetes is manageable when detected early. The cost of ignoring early signs is paid later — with interest.