The Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has reminded Rwandans of the importance of regular health checkups after new research revealed that 44% of people living with diabetes globally are unaware of their condition.
The study, conducted by Lauryn Stafford from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington and published in September 2025, found that nearly half of all individuals with diabetes are unaware of their condition. The findings showed that a significant number of those affected are young people.
According to RBC, this means that one in every two people with diabetes around the world is undiagnosed. The institution has urged Rwandans to undergo regular medical screening, emphasizing that early detection greatly reduces the risks associated with the disease.
RBC highlighted that identifying diabetes early helps prevent serious complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision loss.
Diabetes is characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels and can be hereditary or caused by lifestyle factors, poor diet, and lack of physical activity.
RBC explained that prevention involves adopting a healthy and balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in daily physical exercise, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
The organization encouraged people to get tested regularly since early diagnosis increases one’s chances of receiving proper care and living a healthy life.
Some common symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unusual hunger, extreme fatigue, blurred vision, and unexplained weight loss.
A study by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) predicts that by 2050, more than 1.3 billion people globally will be living with diabetes.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported in 2019 that diabetes was among the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming about 1.5 million lives.
According to IDF data, approximately 4.5% of Rwandans were living with diabetes in 2021, representing around 297,000 people across the country.
