Q. Explain about Iceberg Phenomenon?

Phenomenon means a fact or occurrence that appears.

Let us see how iceberg phenomenon is applied to Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Cases of diabetes mellitus showing signs and symptoms are recognized and diagnosed by a doctor or the health worker. But there are cases which are missed or asymptomatic are hidden or undiagnosed. The number of diagnosed cases of diabetes mellitus represents only the tip of the iceberg. The large number of undiagnosed cases are like hidden mass of ice submerged in the water.

The undiagnosed cases can be diabetes and pre-diabetes conditions. To prevent diabetes, we need to target these unidentified cases in the community especially those with the pre-diabetes conditions.