The Annual Report from the National Diabetes Observatory, “Diabetes: Facts and Figures”, compiled by the Portuguese Society of Diabetology (SPD) and unveiled today, indicates a growing trend of the disease in the country, while warning of persistent high levels of underdiagnosis attributed partly to a lack of integration of data from the private sector.
Despite progress in certain indicators, the report highlights stagnation in the number of diabetes-related amputations, which have remained stable over a decade — with major amputations representing a similar proportion to minor ones — a situation described as “worrying.”
“Even though we have resumed screenings and consultations post-pandemic, the number of amputations remains unchanged. It signals that we still fall short in controlling the most severe complications of the disease,” stated Rita Nortadas, President of the National Diabetes Observatory, in a press release.
The data also reveal that for 2024, the direct cost of diabetes in Portugal is estimated between 1.5 and 1.8 billion euros, equating to 0.5-0.6% of the national GDP and encompassing 5-6% of total health expenditure.
“This report confirms that we are facing an epidemic that continues to rise in Portugal. The constant increase in diabetes prevalence demands more effective prevention measures, early diagnosis, and coordination between care levels,” argued Rita Nortadas.
The report additionally uncovers positive trends reflecting improvements in the monitoring and management of the disease: there has been a 39% reduction in potential years of life lost to diabetes over the past decade, a slight decrease in the disease as a cause of death, and a significant decline in hospital admissions where diabetes appears as a primary or associated diagnosis.
More than 90% of hospitalizations occur within the adult population, and 85.3% of people with diabetes had at least one consultation registered in the National Health Service (SNS) in 2024, figures that reflect the recovery of care activity in Primary Health Services.
“The lack of more detailed data — by type of diabetes, sector, and region — remains an obstacle to formulating effective health policies,” noted Rita Nortadas, stressing the essential need to “advance towards integrated information systems that allow evidence-based decisions.”
“Diabetes accounts for up to 0.6% of the national GDP. Investing in the prevention and management of the disease means investing in the sustainability of the health system and the quality of life of individuals,” Rita Nortadas concluded.
Diabetes currently affects approximately 589 million adults worldwide, a number that could exceed 800 million in the coming decades.
In Portugal, around 1.1 million adults live with diabetes, which, according to the SPD, emphasizes the urgency for prevention and monitoring policies.
