One hundred twelve million adults live with diabetes across the Americas, representing about 13% of the regional adult population, according to figures released by the Pan American Health Organization on Thursday.
More than 40% of people living with diabetes worldwide are unaware they have the condition, leaving millions without access to necessary treatment and support. In the Americas alone, 43 million people aged 30 and older living with the disease do not receive treatment, according to the Pan American Health Organization report.
Diabetes stands as a leading cause of death and disability throughout the region. Ahead of World Diabetes Day on November 14, the Pan American Health Organization is urging stronger early detection and expanded access to primary health care services.
“Taking early action on diabetes can change the course of the disease and prevent complications that affect the health and quality of life of millions of people,” said Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization.
“We need to strengthen primary health care to detect the disease as early as possible and ensure that diagnosis is accompanied by access to quality care and treatment,” Barbosa added.
- Type 2 diabetes often develops gradually with mild or unnoticed symptoms, making early primary care screening essential.
- Common warning signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
- Diet, physical activity, and weight management help prevent or delay the condition.
World Health Organization Member States have endorsed a global target calling for at least 80% of people living with diabetes to be diagnosed by 2030. The 2026 observance centers on the theme “Early Action on Diabetes,” emphasizing comprehensive care and timely diagnosis.
Type 2 diabetes represents the most common form of the disease. It frequently develops without noticeable symptoms in its initial stages.
“Many people may be living with type 2 diabetes without knowing it because symptoms can be mild or go unnoticed,” said Dr. Carmen Antini, Regional Advisor on Diabetes Prevention and Control at the Pan American Health Organization.
“It is essential that people recognize the warning signs and that primary health care services have the capacity to detect the disease early and ensure the necessary treatment and follow-up,” Antini added.
Healthy Habits and Environmental Factors Influence Diabetes Prevention
Preventing or delaying type 2 diabetes requires healthy eating, regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco use. Environmental factors also influence these outcomes by providing access to safe spaces for physical activity and healthy foods.
The burden remains heavy across the Americas. Data from 2022 show that 67.5% of adults in the region were overweight or obese, while 35.6% did not engage in sufficient physical activity.
| Metric | Statistic | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Diabetes Prevalence | 112 million adults (13%) | Region of the Americas |
| Untreated Population | 43 million adults | Ages 30 and older |
| Overweight and Obesity | 67.5% of adults | Recorded in 2022 data |
| Insufficient Activity | 35.6% of adults | Region-wide measurement |
To address these gaps, the Pan American Health Organization supports countries through its Better Care for Noncommunicable Diseases initiative. This program assists primary health care facilities in developing clinical pathways and training health care teams.
On November 11, the organization hosted a regional webinar highlighting experiences from Belize and Panama in strengthening diabetes care at the primary level. Technical resources were shared to assist local health care workers in expanding access to essential medicines and technologies.
World Diabetes Day Drives Regional Commitments Toward 2030 Targets
World Diabetes Day activities continue internationally on November 14 to drive regional commitments toward meeting the 2030 diagnostic targets.
References
- Pan American Health Organization. (2026). 112 million adults live with diabetes in the Americas as PAHO calls for stronger early detection.
- Global targets for diabetes prevention and control.
