Rapid Increase in Diabetes Cases in Greece – 2,580 Deaths Reported in 2021

Greece has witnessed a sharp rise in diabetes cases, as reported in a study by professors from the London School of Economics (LSE). The country struggles with inadequate tracking of the disease’s true burden due to the lack of systematic monitoring and a unified strategy. In 2021, deaths related to diabetes surged to 2,580 from 1,667 in 2014. The LSE study, titled ‘The Burden of Diabetes and Reform Perspectives: Conclusions for the National Health System,’ highlights the need for urgent reforms. During a presentation on March 6, 2025, at the Athenian League, stakeholders discussed the challenges posed by diabetes management and its economic impact. Professor Panos Kanavos emphasized the importance of overcoming fragmented data issues. Economically, annual pharmaceutical spending on diabetes skyrocketed from €3.8 billion in 2014 to €7.1 billion in 2023. While advanced medications like SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 agonists saw increased use, hidden costs such as productivity losses remain unquantified. Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis noted lifestyle changes as critical factors affecting diabetes prevalence. He pointed out Greece’s low exercise rate and technological advancements’ financial strain. Primary healthcare faces significant gaps, lacking clear entry points for patients and effective preventive measures. The absence of strategic planning and integrated electronic health records compounds the issue. The LSE study proposes reforms including adopting a national diabetes strategy, enhancing primary care, investing in digital health solutions, and promoting holistic patient care. Without immediate action, the situation could become unmanageable, according to experts.