Health · Medical Research · 1 hr ago
Diabetes affects 7.5% of adults in Italy, with cases rising over 20 years
About 3.8 million people in Italy live with diabetes, equal to 6.4% of the population and 7.5% of adults.
The disease has risen 23% in 20 years after adjusting for the ageing of the population.
Overall prevalence increased from 4.2% in 2005 to 6.4% in 2025, a 52% rise.
More than one million people may have diabetes without knowing it.
More than 90% of cases are type 2 diabetes, and the growing number of people affected increases the need for care.
Experts call for prevention and joined-up care, including action to reduce heart risks and prevent complications.
The report was presented at Italy's Senate, but it does not set out specific next steps.
About 3.8 million people in Italy live with diabetes, equal to 7.5% of adults and 6.4% of the total population.
The number of people affected has risen by 23% over 20 years after accounting for population ageing, according to a 2026 report.
The report says overall prevalence rose from 4.2% in 2005 to 6.4% in 2025, an increase of 52%.
More than one million people are estimated to have diabetes without knowing it.
The report calls for prevention, innovation and integrated care as the condition and its care needs grow.
- Who
- About 3.8 million people in Italy live with diabetes.
- What
- A report says diabetes prevalence has risen over 20 years and affects 7.5% of adults.
- When
- The report was presented in 2026. It compares prevalence in 2005, 2015 and 2025.
- Where
- Italy; the report was presented at the Senate.
- Why
- The report says diabetes is becoming more prevalent and care more complex, requiring prevention and integrated care.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Diabetes prevalence in Italy was 4.2%.
Diabetes prevalence had risen to 5.4%.
Diabetes prevalence reached 6.4%.
The Italian Barometer Diabetes Report was presented at the Senate.
- People living with diabetes
- About 3.8 million
- Share of adults affected
- 7.5%
- Share of total population affected
- 6.4%
- Prevalence in 2005
- 4.2%
- Prevalence in 2015
- 5.4%
- Estimated undiagnosed cases
- More than 1 million
What people are saying
Diabetes is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in Italy today.
It is a silent disease, but it has a profound impact on patients' lives and on the sustainability of the National Health Service.
Blood sugar control remains fundamental, but today the goal is broader: preventing complications, protecting organs and managing cardiovascular, kidney and metabolic risk in an integrated way over the long term.
Diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular diseases are closely connected conditions: addressing them through separate pathways risks fragmenting care and losing prevention opportunities.
Sources
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