New Delhi, November 14, 2025 — The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded an urgent alarm over a widening diabetes crisis in the South-East Asia region, revealing that only one-third of adults with diabetes are receiving treatment. Even more concerning, fewer than 15% have their blood sugar levels under control.
Marking World Diabetes Day, the WHO noted that the region is home to more than 279 million adults living with the disease — among the highest burdens globally. A significant number of these cases remain undiagnosed or poorly treated, heightening the risk of severe complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage and vision loss.
Dr. Catharina Boehme, WHO Officer-in-Charge for South-East Asia, called for equitable and age-responsive healthcare systems to ensure accessible, continuous diabetes care across all life stages — including children, pregnant women and older adults.
This year’s theme, “Diabetes Across Life Stages,” underscores the need for early detection, consistent monitoring and sustained treatment support. WHO highlighted persistent gaps in access to essential medicines, insulin, diagnostics and routine glucose-monitoring tools in several countries across the region.
The agency urged governments to strengthen primary healthcare, scale up screening programmes, invest in digital health platforms, and fully implement the commitments outlined in the Colombo Call to Action on diabetes prevention and control.
With treatment and control rates alarmingly low, WHO warned that without swift, coordinated action, the region could face a deepening public health crisis that places millions at risk of avoidable complications.
