Published on Tuesday, November 18, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Nearly 15% of Costa Rica’s population has been diagnosed with diabetes, according to the Social Security System (CCSS). The agency reports that about 700,000 of the country’s roughly 5 million residents are living with the disease.

Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a group of endocrine disorders marked by persistently high blood sugar levels. The condition develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin.

If left untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications affecting the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves, health experts say.

Authorities warn the true number of cases may be even higher because many people do not know they have the disease.

A person is diagnosed with diabetes when their fasting blood glucose level exceeds 100 mg/dL.

Physicians say type 2 diabetes is rising rapidly, driven by excess weight, lack of physical activity and poor eating habits. By 2045, an estimated 735 million people worldwide are expected to have diabetes.

Common warning signs include the “three Ps”: polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (excessive urination) and polyphagia (excessive hunger),  along with weight loss and blurred vision.

However, symptoms do not always appear. For that reason, doctors stress that routine checkups and preventive screenings are essential for early detection.

Health providers are also seeing more cases among younger people, which could lead to long-term complications. Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. Patients may also develop foot problems, ulcers and, in severe cases, face a risk of amputation.

“It’s important to adopt healthy lifestyle habits to prevent this noncommunicable disease, which claims lives every year,” said Dr. Noel Ruiz, an internal medicine specialist with the CCSS.

Specialists recommend the following habits to help prevent diabetes:

• Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day, even walking counts.

• Eat appropriate portions of fruits and vegetables.

• Avoid tobacco use.

• Attend regular medical checkups.

• Get adequate sleep.

• Limit foods high in fat and sugar.

Authorities urge people to take steps to prevent diabetes and, for those already diagnosed, to maintain proper management to protect their health and improve their quality of life.

The CCSS oversees the country’s public health services.

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What steps should the Social Security System take to reduce the number of diabetes cases in the country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com