One in nine adults in Greece is living with diabetes, according to the latest Diabetes Atlas by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). The report estimates that 11.4% of Greeks aged 20 to 79 have the disease, while nearly a third of those affected remain undiagnosed.
The chronic condition has a significant impact on both public health and the economy. In 2024 alone, diabetes was linked to more than 8,200 deaths in Greece and is estimated to cost the national health system around €1.5 billion annually. On average, each person with diabetes requires approximately €1,700 per year for treatment and disease management.
Data from Greece’s electronic prescription system indicate that around 1.3 million citizens are currently receiving anti-diabetic medication, underlining the disease’s widespread reach. About 23,700 people in the country live with Type 1 diabetes.
Global Surge in Diabetes Cases
The IDF report paints a concerning global picture. In 2024, an estimated 589 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes—representing 11.1% of all adults aged 20–79. That figure is projected to rise sharply to 852.5 million by 2050, an increase of 45%, far outpacing global population growth.
The report attributes much of the increase to aging populations and rapid urbanization, especially in low- and middle-income countries. By 2050, 95% of new diabetes cases are expected to occur in these regions.
Age and Environment: Key Risk Factors
Age remains a decisive factor in diabetes prevalence. While only 1.9% of people aged 20–24 are affected, the rate rises dramatically to nearly 25% among those aged 75–79. The prevalence is similar for men and women—11.3% and 10.9% respectively—but globally, almost 10 million more men than women live with the disease.
Urban environments also play a major role. In 2024, nearly 400 million people with diabetes lived in cities compared to 189 million in rural areas. Urban prevalence was recorded at 12.7%, compared to 8.8% in the countryside. By 2050, the number of diabetes cases in urban areas is expected to climb to 654 million.
Silent Epidemic of Undiagnosed Cases
Perhaps most troubling is the large number of people unaware of their condition. The report estimates that 28.5% of people with diabetes in Greece—and 42.8% worldwide—remain undiagnosed. Limited access to healthcare and insufficient early screening are among the main reasons behind these figures.
Health experts stress that early diagnosis and consistent treatment are essential to prevent severe complications, premature deaths, and mounting healthcare costs. Strengthening screening programs and improving diagnostic capacity are seen as urgent steps toward better diabetes management.
As Greece grapples with an aging population and growing urban pressures, diabetes stands as a costly and expanding public health challenge—one that demands early detection, sustained policy attention, and stronger preventive care.
