Μake us preferred on Google More than 1.3 million people in Greece are enrolled in at least one treatment protocol for diabetes, according to the latest figures from IDIKA, the agency that runs Greece’s e-prescription system. The number reflects the scale of one of the biggest public health challenges, as the disease requires systematic monitoring, ongoing treatment and timely management of its complications.
The figures, released by the Panhellenic Federation of Associations of People with Diabetes (POSSASDIA), show that registered patients reached 1,336,340 in October 2026, compared with 1,067,165 in 2021.
The difference amounts to 269,175 more people, an increase of about 25.2% in five years. In other words, registrations in treatment protocols rose by more than 53,000 people a year on average.
However, this increase cannot automatically be equated with a matching rise in how common diabetes actually is in the population. The data record people enrolled in treatment protocols and may be affected by wider diagnosis, better recording and access to treatment.
Even with this caveat, the size of the population that needs ongoing medical care places significant demands on the health system.
The Challenge For The National Health System
Diabetes is not a condition treated only with medication. Managing it effectively requires regular glucose checks, assessment of cardiovascular risk, monitoring of kidney function, eye exams and early detection of peripheral neuropathy.
This means patient care cannot be limited to one annual appointment or a prescription renewal. It requires different medical specialties to work together and access to monitoring services across the country.
Primary health care is especially important, since much of the prevention and monitoring can take place outside hospitals, provided there are adequately staffed facilities and organized monitoring programs.
The challenge grows when patients live in areas where reaching specialized services requires travel or significant expense.
Complications That Can Be Prevented
One of the most important features of the disease is that its serious complications can develop for years without strong warning signs.
Chronic kidney disease is a typical example. Diabetes is among its most important risk factors, and late diagnosis can limit the options for effective intervention.
The problem is also highlighted by a new observational study by POSSASDIA, presented at the 4th Diabetes Empowerment Forum in Thessaloniki.
According to the preliminary findings, only 52.5% of participants without known kidney disease knew that the condition can progress for a long time without obvious symptoms.
Even more worrying, among participants already diagnosed with kidney disease or dysfunction, only 41.9% said they had a kidney check at least once a year before their diagnosis.
The study, presented by Figaleia Karathanou, points to a major gap in awareness and prevention. The published data do not show whether the sample represents all patients in Greece. Even so, the findings suggest that regular checkups have not been adequately built into everyday management of the disease.
Gaps In Vaccination Too
Equally interesting are the results of a second study by the federation, presented by Olga Tsachouridou, assistant professor of internal medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.
The study focused on vaccination coverage among people with diabetes and revealed major gaps in awareness.
Specifically, 58.5% of participants said they had not received a recommendation from a health professional for any specific vaccine in the previous 12 months.
In addition, 37.8% did not know whether the vaccination needs of adults with diabetes vary with age and other health problems.
This finding is especially important, since diabetes is linked to a higher risk of serious complications from certain infections.
Prevention, therefore, is not limited to controlling blood sugar. It also includes vaccine protection tailored to each patient.
New Treatments Are Changing The Picture
At the same time, treatment options have expanded significantly in recent years.
Newer classes of drugs for type 2 diabetes do not aim only at controlling blood sugar. Some treatments have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular and kidney complications in suitably selected patients.
In addition, the development of continuous glucose monitoring sensors and automated insulin delivery systems has changed daily life for many people, especially those living with type 1 diabetes.
The technology allows better tracking of glucose fluctuations, reducing the need for constant manual adjustments and helping lower the risk of hypoglycemia.
However, the existence of new treatment options does not automatically mean that all patients can benefit equally. Access to technology, proper training and systematic medical monitoring remain crucial.
Children With Diabetes At School
A different but equally important issue concerns children living with diabetes and their ability to take part safely in school life.
Having a properly trained school nurse can be crucial, especially when immediate action is needed to deal with hypoglycemia or another problem.
Speakers at the POSSASDIA conference noted that administrative approval of nursing support is not enough if it is not matched by a nurse’s actual and timely presence at the school.
Timely staffing, specialized training and continuity of care are key conditions for students to attend school safely.
