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A person’s glucose level is tested.

Ahead of World Diabetes Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the rising cases of diabetes, which it attributed to changing lifestyles, rising rates of overweight and obesity, and limited access to preventive and primary health services.

According to the global health body, more than 24 million people aged 20 to 79 currently live with diabetes in Africa. That number is projected to rise to 60 million by 2050 if current trends continue.

In a statement, WHO warns that nearly half of those affected are undiagnosed, placing them at greater risk of severe complications such as heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, nerve damage, and premature death.