Some 400,000 Dutch people have type 2 diabetes without knowing it: study

Some 400,000 people in the Netherlands have type 2 diabetes without knowing it, according to a new study commissioned by the Dutch Diabetes Foundation. “The Netherlands is facing a much larger and hidden diabetes crisis than previously thought,” the foundation said. Type 2 diabetes can cause permanent health damage if left untreated. The study was done by the Dutch Cohort Consortium.

“Living with type 2 diabetes for years without knowing it causes irreversible damage: from nerve damage and eye problems to dementia, kidney failure, and cardiovascular disease. Half of all people with type 2 diabetes experience these kinds of serious complications,” said Diena Halbertsma, general director of the Diabetes Foundation.

She pointed out that diabetes affects not only individuals themselves. The consequences are felt throughout society due to higher healthcare costs, increased pressure on healthcare systems, and absences from work.

“We already knew that a huge number of people have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but now it turns out that an additional 400,000 people have diabetes without knowing it,” said Miranda Schram, a professor of diabetes epidemiology. “This is extremely worrying. We need to introduce accessible screening for type 2 diabetes to prevent more serious health problems.”

Type 2 diabetes is often called a silent killer because it develops slowly and without obvious symptoms. People who are overweight and exercise little are at higher risk, but anyone can develop it. The disease is often discovered by chance or when it is already more advanced.

Halbertsma urged everyone in the Netherlands to take the foundation’s Diabetes Risk Test. If you have a high risk, you’ll be advised to visit your general practitioner for diagnosis. “If you know where you stand, you can limit the damage to your health and sometimes even prevent the disease.”