Greece is grappling with an alarming rise in diabetes cases, with one in eight Greeks diagnosed with the condition. When considering undiagnosed individuals, the prevalence climbs to one in four.
Despite the escalating challenge, health experts are voicing concerns over the government’s insufficient budget allocations to address the diabetes crisis.
Recent data from IDIKA, Greece’s e-Government Centre for Social Security Services, presented by the Panhellenic Federation of People with Diabetes (POSSASDIA), shows a sharp rise in diabetes cases. Over the past five years, the number of diagnosed individuals has surged by 270,000, pushing the national prevalence from 9.7% in 2019 to 12.4% in 2024. It’s estimated that half of those with diabetes remain undiagnosed.
Christos Daramilas, President of POSSASDIA, pointed out that while diabetes cases continue to rise, the budget allocated to tackle the issue is being gradually reduced. “The one big thing missing is a national plan,” Daramilas said in a recent interview.
Budget Shortcomings
Daramilas elaborated on the insufficient funding, explaining that Health Minister Adonis Georgiadis initially committed €25 million to the budget for people with type 2 diabetes undergoing intensive insulin therapy, a group of about 44,800 individuals. Shortly afterward, it was decided that up to €40 million in savings from the National Central Health Procurement Authority would be redirected to diabetes care due to pressure on the budget, which had been facing high clawback rates (funds returned to the state when spending exceeds the budget).
However, Daramilas expressed skepticism about the timing of this funding. “We are halfway through 2025. When will this money be added to the budget? When will continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technologies be covered for people with type 2 diabetes?” he asked.
Greece remains the only EU country that does not cover CGMs for individuals on intensive insulin therapy. Daramilas stressed the importance of quickly adding new technologies and treatments to the reimbursement system, which can help better manage blood sugar fluctuations and prevent complications.
Calls for Expansion of Diabetes Coverage
The Federation also advocates for expanding coverage to include approximately 100,000 more people who take basic insulin combined with oral medications, similar to steps taken in France, Spain, and more recently Cyprus. “The funding is already there from savings, so additional money is not needed,” Daramilas explained.
EU Law Violation Concerns
In addition to funding issues, the Federation raised concerns over a recent ministerial decision that excludes private pharmacies from the traceability chain for medical devices. Daramilas condemned this move as a violation of EU regulations, which require all entities in the distribution chain to follow strict traceability protocols.
The Federation has formally requested a revision of this decision, but has yet to receive a response. Daramilas warned that without proper certification and licensing for pharmacies, public health could be at risk, especially in the event of a product recall, where patients may not be notified due to the regulatory gap.
Prescription System Issues
The Federation has also received numerous complaints from insured individuals struggling to fill prescriptions under the new EOPYY system for medical supplies. Despite EOPYY’s claim that the system has been communicated to the public, patients and caregivers report receiving no official guidance since its launch in February 2025. The Federation criticized the system for being inaccessible, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly or those not familiar with digital technology, with the only public information available being posted on the EOPYY website.
As diabetes continues to affect a growing number of Greeks, the lack of a comprehensive national strategy, combined with limited funding and systemic failures, leaves many people with diabetes facing increased uncertainty.
Related Topics
