Nearly 17.9 million adults with diabetes in the International Diabetes Federation’s Africa region were undiagnosed in 2024, the highest share among the federation’s regions, according to its 2025 Diabetes Atlas.
The IDF estimates that 24.6 million adults aged 20 to 79 in the region had diabetes in 2024, of whom about 17.9 million had not been diagnosed. That equals 72.6% of people with diabetes. The region’s adult diabetes prevalence was 5.0%, the lowest among IDF regions.
The federation projects that the number of adults with diabetes in its Africa region will reach 59.5 million by 2050, a 142% increase from 2024. The estimate draws on 35 data sources from 27 countries. The IDF said high-quality data collected within countries were unavailable in 45% of countries in the region.
The IDF’s Africa region covers 49 Sub-Saharan African countries and territories. The World Health Organization’s African regional framework covers 47 member states, so the two regional groupings have different scopes. The framework sets a 60% diagnosis milestone for 2026 and an 80% target for 2030.
WHO says more than 40% of people with diabetes worldwide are undiagnosed and may miss care, treatment and support without a diagnosis. The organization lists increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness and blurred vision among common diabetes symptoms.
WHO Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Janabi called for earlier testing and better access to care ahead of World Diabetes Day, Premium Times and TVC News reported. The outlets quoted him urging people to “seek testing and care early.”
WHO’s 2026 World Diabetes Day campaign theme is “Early action on diabetes.” The observance is scheduled for Nov. 14.
