Background <p>In sub-Saharan African countries like Côte d’Ivoire, most individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are undiagnosed, and therefore at risk of experiencing late T2DM diagnosis. Within this region, little is known about late T2DM diagnosis, which is defined as the onset of complications at, or around the time of, laboratory diagnosis. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of late T2DM diagnosis in Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire) and identify biological and social factors associated with late T2DM diagnosis.</p> Methods <p>A retrospective chart review was carried out between January and May 2022 using patient records in four diabetes centres of Abidjan. Late diagnosis was defined as the onset of at least one T2DM complication within two years following T2DM laboratory diagnosis. Descriptive and multiple correspondence analyses were conducted.</p> Results <p>Patients (<i>n</i> = 217) had a mean age of 49.0 ± 11.4 years at T2DM laboratory diagnosis, and about half were female (male-female ratio: 0.9). One quarter (25.3%) of patients with T2DM experienced late diagnosis. Most (72.7%) complications observed were chronic. Late diagnosis was associated with older age (≥ 50 years), residence in lower-income municipalities of Abidjan, hypertension, and no family history of T2DM. Age, living area, and family history were significantly associated with early and late T2DM diagnosis in the multiple correspondence analysis.</p> Conclusion <p>To reduce late T2DM diagnosis and prevent its complications, screening strategies in Côte d’Ivoire could consider prioritizing older adults, adults living in lower-income municipalities of Abidjan, and those without family history of T2DM.</p>