From kompas.id
Diabetes is a lifelong disease that affects 1 in 9 adults worldwide. Many of these sufferers are often undiagnosed, putting them at risk of experiencing complications.
The prevalence of diabetes has significantly increased over the last three decades. A global study indicates that the prevalence of diabetes among adults rose from approximately 7 percent in 1990 to nearly 14 percent in recent years.
According to data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), there are 589 million people worldwide suffering from diabetes in 2024. Indonesia ranks fifth in the world for the highest number of diabetes sufferers, following China, India, the United States, and Pakistan.
As many as 11.3 percent of the adult population in Indonesia suffers from diabetes, which amounts to 20.4 million adults out of 185 million residents. This figure has increased compared to the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) data, which was at 8.5 percent.
The majority of sufferers worldwide, including in Indonesia, experience type 2 diabetes, which is primarily caused by lifestyle factors, such as a high sugar consumption pattern. Data also indicates a shift where diabetes is increasingly found in the productive age group and adolescents due to changes in lifestyle.
Early-onset type 2 diabetes (when symptoms first appear) in adolescence is associated with greater insulin resistance, a more rapid decline in β cell function, and earlier and more severe complications. This results in increased morbidity and mortality compared to late-onset type 2 diabetes.
A 2024 article by S Kaptoge and his team in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology showed that in the United States, individuals with type 2 diabetes diagnosed at age 30 died at age 50, on average, 14 years earlier than those without diabetes.
In addition to this consumption pattern, the trend of increasing diabetes among adolescents is also triggered by a lack of physical activity in children as they spend more time in front of screens. Furthermore, many cases in children are only detected when they are already in a critical condition (diabetic ketoacidosis) because the symptoms are often mistaken for common illnesses or fatigue.
Early stage diabetes is often asymptomatic.
So far, it is estimated that 45-70 percent of diabetes sufferers in Indonesia are unaware that they have the disease until complications occur. In fact, early detection of diabetes is very important.
In addition to preventing irreversible complications, especially in type 2 diabetes, if detected at the prediabetes stage, the condition is reversible. Prediabetes is defined as blood sugar levels above normal, but not yet considered diabetes. With dietary changes and intensive exercise, blood sugar levels can return to normal without medication.
Early detection and early symptoms
Considering the high trend of diabetes among young and productive individuals, the American Diabetes Association now recommends that every young adult undergo early diabetes screening. "In the early stages of diabetes, patients often do not show symptoms, which is why the American Diabetes Association recommends that every adult be screened for diabetes at the age of 35," said Alyssa Dominguez, an endocrinologist at Keck Medicine of the University of Southern California, in a statement released by her campus on Saturday (17/1/2026).
It is very important for individuals with risk factors, such as a family history of diabetes, prediabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and gestational diabetes, or if their body mass index (BMI) falls within the overweight or obese range, to undergo early and regular diabetes screening.
Although screening by a doctor through blood tests is the most definitive way to determine whether someone has diabetes, there are several symptoms to be aware of that are early signs for diabetes sufferers. If you experience the following symptoms, consult a doctor for diabetes screening.
First, frequent urination. "The frequency of urination is quite subjective. I would say that if someone notices they are urinating more often than usual, it could be a sign of diabetes," he said.
However, it is important to note that there are many other conditions that can lead to an increased frequency of urination. For instance, men with prostate issues or women after menopause may experience an increase in the frequency of urination.
Secondly, feeling very thirsty. "Increased and frequent thirst is one of the most common early symptoms of diabetes that people notice," Dominguez continued. This occurs because high blood sugar levels can lead to excessive urination, which can result in dehydration.
Thirdly, rapid or abnormal weight loss is also one of the most common signs that people notice when they first suffer from diabetes. According to Dominguez, this can occur because with uncontrolled insulin, the body may begin to burn fat or muscle for fuel, leading to unintended weight loss that can become problematic.
Fourth, skin changes. "Skin warts can be a sign of insulin resistance," says Dominguez. "Another skin finding we can see is a phenomenon called acanthosis nigricans, which is darkened, velvety skin that can be seen on the back of the neck or in the armpit area. This can be a physical sign of insulin resistance or diabetes."
Fifth, slow wound healing. "We know that high blood sugar slows down wound healing," said Dominguez. "However, this is something I usually see more often in people who have a more advanced form of diabetes and who have had high blood sugar for some time. However, if someone has not seen a doctor for a long time, they may have undetected high blood sugar, which can lead to slower wound healing."
Although these are early signs of diabetes, Dominguez emphasizes the importance of screening for diabetes before symptoms appear, typically through hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) tests or fasting blood glucose tests. All of this is part of the majority of routine laboratory examinations conducted by doctors.
"Early-stage diabetes often presents without symptoms," said Dominguez. "It is important to undergo testing before symptoms appear so that you can receive appropriate treatment and avoid significant issues due to your diabetes."
https://www.kompas.id/artikel/en-kenali-lima-tanda-awal-diabetes
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