Italy's Diabetes Rate at 6% Highlights Obesity as Major Risk Factor

Salvatore A. De Cosmo, president of the Italian Association of Diabetologists (A MD), said diabetes affects about 6% of the Italian population. Over 90% of cases are type 2, linked to insulin resistance and strongly associated with obesity. The prevalence is higher in southern Italy, mirroring obesity rates.

De Cosmo warned that roughly 10% of Italian children are obese, raising the risk that childhood obesity will develop into diabetes and other illnesses in adulthood. He emphasized that, despite effective therapies, prevention remains the key challenge and called for healthier diets, regular physical activity, and stronger health‑education efforts from early childhood.