70% of Indonesian Diabetes Patients Undiagnosed, Perkeni Warns

A staggering 70% of individuals living with diabetes in Indonesia have not been diagnosed, according to the Indonesian Endocrinology Association (Perkeni). This alarming statistic presents a major hurdle in managing the condition, as delayed diagnosis significantly elevates the risk of severe complications such as kidney failure and heart disease.

Perkeni estimates that approximately 20 million adults in Indonesia have diabetes, with Type 2 cases showing a consistent annual increase. "We have been identifying diabetes for a long time, and the numbers are always rising," stated Em Yunir, Chairman of Perkeni. "Unfortunately, according to health research, 70% of diabetes patients are undiagnosed."

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We have been identifying diabetes for a long time, and the numbers are always rising. Unfortunately, according to health research, 70% of diabetes patients are undiagnosed.

The challenges in managing diabetes extend beyond the growing patient numbers to include a shortage of medical professionals and limited access to healthcare services and therapies. While treatment options for Type 2 diabetes are diversifying, experts stress the importance of tailoring therapies to individual patient conditions, prioritizing cardiovascular and renal safety.

To combat this, Perkeni is collaborating with Korean diabetes organizations on joint research, data exchange, and shared experiences in disease management. Professor Hikmat Permana from the Division of Endocrinology at Universitas Padjadjaran highlighted that diabetes is a leading cause of kidney failure and heart disease, complications that could be prevented with earlier detection and intervention. He noted that new treatments like SGLT2 inhibitors, which help excrete excess blood sugar, offer a promising alternative for Type 2 diabetes patients, particularly those of Asian descent. The high cost of managing diabetes complications, such as dialysis and heart procedures, underscores the critical need for preventative measures and regular health check-ups.

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This means high blood sugar can be excreted. All this time we thought blood sugar was lowered within the body and to prevent kidney failure and damage.