Fifteen percent of Sri Lankan adults live with diabetes and 40 percent of them may not know it, specialist warns

Nearly 15 percent of Sri Lankan adults are living with diabetes, and about 40 percent of those affected may be unaware they have the condition, a leading medical specialist has warned as the country joined the international community in observing World Diabetes Day on November 14. Dr. Manilka Sumanatilleke, President of the Diabetes Association of Sri Lanka and Consultant Endocrinologist at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka, said diabetes has become an increasingly serious public health concern, and that the situation is particularly worrying in Colombo, where roughly one in four people is affected.

Hundreds of thousands undiagnosed

According to the International Diabetes Federation, an estimated 1.6 million Sri Lankan adults aged between 20 and 79 were living with diabetes in 2024, and about 603,000 of them, or 37.7 percent, had not been diagnosed. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. If poorly controlled, it can cause serious complications including heart disease, strokes, kidney failure, vision loss, nerve damage and lower-limb amputations. Medical experts say early detection and proper management can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

Common warning signs include frequent urination, excessive thirst, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision, although Type 2 diabetes can develop gradually without noticeable symptoms. Dr. Sumanatilleke also warned that increasing childhood obesity could lead to more young people developing Type 2 diabetes, and stressed the importance of healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular physical activity, a balanced diet and avoiding tobacco can help reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14 to raise awareness of the growing global impact of diabetes. The theme for 2026, 'Early action on diabetes', focuses on improving early diagnosis, expanding access to treatment and encouraging prevention. Health authorities are urging people, especially those with risk factors such as obesity or a family history of diabetes, to undergo appropriate screening and seek medical advice.

These are population estimates and general warning signs, not a diagnosis for any individual. Healthy food supports risk reduction and management but does not replace prescribed medicines, insulin or medical care. People should discuss symptoms and appropriate testing with a qualified health professional.