vie-quotidienne
Updated 2026-10-18 5 min
In short
- ●According to a 2023 national survey conducted with the WHO among more than 4,400 adults, 6.7% knew they had diabetes and a further 9.3% did not, for roughly 16% in total (source: Cambodianess, October 17, 2026).
- ●The figures are national: they cover all of Cambodia, including Siem Reap province, not just the capital.
- ●For expats and retirees, the message is simple: build a regular blood test into your local health routine, especially after 40 or if diabetes runs in your family.
- ●World Diabetes Day falls on November 14, a handy reminder to schedule your annual screening.
≈ 16%
Estimated total prevalence
2023 survey, reported Oct. 17, 2026
Period
Cambodia (nationwide)
Location(s)
Cambodianess, survey with the WHO
Source
The Key Facts at a Glance
- Estimated prevalence of 16%. 6.7% of adults diagnosed plus 9.3% undiagnosed gives roughly 16% of adults affected.
- More than 4,400 adults surveyed. The national survey was conducted in 2023 with the World Health Organization.
- 9.3% don't know. About 58% of estimated cases (9.3 out of 16) are unknown to the people affected, a figure calculated from the published numbers.
- The feet are the first warning sign. Complications often show up in the feet first, which is why early screening matters.
- November 14, 2026. World Diabetes Day serves as an annual reminder to get checked.
How It Unfolded
There is no single event here: this is an older survey brought back into the spotlight ahead of an awareness day. Here are the key milestones.
- 2023: a national survey is conducted with the WHO among more than 4,400 Cambodian adults.
- Survey results: 6.7% of adults know they have diabetes, and a further 9.3% do not.
- October 17, 2026: Cambodianess highlights these figures, stressing complications that show up in the feet first.
- In the coming weeks: the topic is likely to return in the media and at clinics as November 14 approaches.
- November 14, 2026: World Diabetes Day, an opportunity for awareness and screening.
- Every year after that: a routine blood test, built into your local health routine.
Breakdown
The results are best read by whether people know their diagnosis. This breakdown is the most telling when it comes to understanding why screening matters.
| Segment | Figure | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Known diabetes | 6.7% | Adults who knew they had diabetes at the time of the survey. |
| Undiagnosed diabetes | 9.3% | Adults with diabetes who were unaware of it, and therefore not receiving any follow-up care. |
| Estimated total prevalence | ≈ 16% | Sum of the two groups (6.7% + 9.3%). |
| Share of undetected cases | ≈ 58% | Calculation: 9.3 out of 16. More than half of cases go undiagnosed. |
| Sample size | 4,400+ adults | 2023 national survey, conducted with the WHO. |
What This Means in Practice in Siem Reap
- A blood test becomes second nature. A fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c is part of a routine check-up, to be discussed with a doctor based on your age and family history.
- Local clinics can do the screening. Basic tests are available at clinics in Siem Reap. Ask about prices before booking an appointment.
- Retirees are first in line. With age, regular monitoring matters more. It's better to start before any symptoms appear.
- Your feet deserve a daily look. Going barefoot, sandals, heat and humidity: a small scrape or a wound that is slow to heal is quick to check.
- Your health insurance may help. Check whether your policy covers preventive check-ups and consultations at a practice or clinic in Cambodia.
How to Stay on the Safe Side
- Step 1: Mark November 14 in your calendar as an annual reminder to get a blood test.
- Step 2: Book an appointment at a clinic in Siem Reap and ask for a diabetes screening (fasting blood glucose and/or HbA1c).
- Step 3: Keep your results in a file (paper copy and a photo on your phone) so you can compare from one year to the next.
- Step 4: Check your feet every week for wounds, redness, cracks or loss of sensation. Report anything unusual to a doctor.
- Step 5: Wear proper footwear whenever you go out, and avoid walking barefoot on paths or around town.
- Step 6: Adjust your diet and physical activity, with your doctor's advice, if your blood sugar is high.
- Step 7: Check your health insurance and keep the contact details of a trusted clinic handy, just in case.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the prevalence of diabetes in Cambodia according to the 2023 survey?
A national survey conducted with the WHO among more than 4,400 adults found that 6.7% knew they had diabetes and a further 9.3% did not. That amounts to a total prevalence of roughly 16%.
Why is there so much talk about the feet?
According to the Cambodianess article, diabetes complications often show up in the feet first. A wound that is slow to heal or a loss of sensation can be a warning sign worth having checked by a doctor.
When is World Diabetes Day?
It takes place on November 14 every year. It's a good reminder to schedule a screening or a routine check-up.
What test should I get to be screened in Siem Reap?
A basic blood test, such as a fasting blood glucose test or an HbA1c, can be requested at a local clinic. A doctor will recommend the right test for your situation.
Do these figures apply to expats and retirees?
The survey covers Cambodia's adult population, not expats. However, it shows that a large share of cases go undiagnosed, which is a good reason for everyone to have regular blood tests, especially after 40 or if diabetes runs in the family.
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Siem Reap Hub
The community guide for expats and travelers in Siem Reap, Cambodia