Authors:

Abstract

Background

Diabetes is a significant health problem in Italy as in other western countries.

Objective

To review available epidemiological data and the legislative framework for diabetes care in Italy.

Methods

Review of Italian Health Ministry's official documents and analysis of epidemiological data published by Italian Scientific Societies.

Findings

Diabetes affects more than 5% of the Italian population. The expenditures for the care of people with diabetes are about €10 billion ($US 11 billion) a year and are increasing over time. Italian law regulates the clinical care of people with diabetes and creates a clinical framework involving medical organizations, prevention programs, personnel training, and legal protection. The National Health Program is structured in essential levels of assistance that can be defined differently in the various regions. In 2013, the “National Diabetes Plan,” defining priority areas for intervention, was approved and represents the main regulatory tool for the management of diabetes within the Italian National Health Service. In Italy, the status of diabetes care is being monitored using the data from 2 permanent observatories: the ARNO Observatory Diabetes and the Associazione Medici Diabetologi Annals.

Conclusions

A comprehensive approach to diabetes is offered to all citizens, consonant with the constitutionally guaranteed right to health. However, this important effort translates into a relevant financial burden for the National Health Service.

Keywords: costs, diabetes, diabetes care, diabetic complications, Italy, legislative framework, prevalence