Prevalence and Projection of Medicine-Treated Type 2 Diabetes in Greece (2016–2022): Real-World Data from the National prescription database

Aims: Since type 2 diabetes is one of the greatest burdens in public health over the past decade, evidence regarding its impact on the Greek population is scarce. To address this situation, the current study aims to reveal epidemiological data on type 2 diabetes in Greece by calculating the annual prevalence between 2016 and 2022 and to investigate trends regarding age and sex factors. Methods: Real-world prescription data were used from the official database of the e-Government Center for Social Security Services. The study population comprised individuals who were entitled to type 2 diabetes care, with the relevant International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and regression analysis were performed by calculating prevalence rates, using 2011 official census of Greek population. Results: Prevalence rates of type 2 diabetes follow an increasing trend, increasing from 7.97% in 2016 to 8.65% in 2022. A similar trend was observed among male and female individuals; the male prevalence rate increased from 8% in 2016 to 8.86% in 2022, whereas the female prevalence rate increased from 7.95% in 2016 to 8.46% in 2022. The prevalence rate ratios between 2016 and 2022 underline the increasing trends of type 2 diabetes in population, as the total prevalence rate ratio was equal to 1.09 (95% confidence interval: 1.08–1.09, p < 0.001). Linear regression revealed the association between the prevalence rate and the sex or age factor. Conclusions: Type 2 diabetes prevalence in Greece increased between 2016 and 2022, in accordance with the European and International data, with higher rates observed among males and older adults. The marked relative increase among individuals aged 18 to 29 years constitutes an important epidemiological finding and highlights the need for targeted prevention and early intervention strategies.