Diabetes mellitus poses a significant public health challenge in Greece, with prevalence rates steadily increasing, especially among older adults and rural communities. As of 2024, a substantial 11.9% of the Greek population is affected by diabetes mellitus (DM) (IDIKA, 2021). This condition imposes a considerable economic burden on both individuals and the healthcare system.
The Greek healthcare system has made strides in enhancing diabetes care, particularly regarding access to therapies for people living with diabetes (PLwD), adoption of innovative treatments, and primary prevention efforts. Nevertheless, challenges persist that hinder optimal patient outcomes, such as the absence of a standardized national framework for clinical diabetes management and the lack of uniform care coordination and delivery.
Given the need to improve diabetes care in Greece, and the gap in implemented policies compared to other European countries, it is strongly advisable to develop policy recommendations that will have a significant impact on diabetes care and management. This project aims to develop a comprehensive set of actionable policy recommendations that are both feasible and implementable within the Greek healthcare system, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.
We aim to assess the current state of diabetes care, identify international best practices, and recommend strategies for improving diabetes management. This includes developing a National Diabetes Plan, leveraging digital health technologies, and optimizing pharmaceutical policies to enhance access to innovative treatments.
Final report expected in February 2025.