Which EU Countries Have the Highest Diabetes Prevalence?

Key Takeaways

• Portugal ranks first in the EU for diabetes prevalence. 14.3% of Portuguese adults between 20 and 79 years old live with diabetes.
• Ireland ranks lowest in the EU with a diabetes prevalence of 4.4%. It is less than a third of Portugal’s rate.
• Seven of the top ten countries by diabetes prevalence are in Southern or Eastern Europe. These regions have higher concentrations of diabetes risk factors, including lower educational attainment, higher unemployment, and gaps in early detection.
• Northern and Western European countries have lower concentrations of diabetes risk factors. Lower rates of obesity, higher educational attainment, and stronger early detection systems contribute to their lower prevalence.
• Germany ranks 8th in the EU by diabetes prevalence at 10.6%. However, it ranks first in absolute numbers with an estimated 6.5 million adults living with diabetes.
• The EU has taken concrete steps to address rising diabetes prevalence. These include the 2022 European Parliament resolution, the JACARDI joint action, and the 2025 Safe Hearts Plan.

Diabetes Prevalence Across the EU

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Learn something new about Germany every week and make informed decisions with confidence.

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Learn something new about Germany every week and make informed decisions with confidence.

Seven of the top ten countries by prevalence are in Southern or Eastern Europe.

• Portugal (14.3%)
• Croatia (13.7%)
• Spain (13.1%)
• Malta (11.5%)
• Italy (11.4%)
• Greece (11.4%)
• Cyprus (11.1%)

Several factors drive this gap. Diabetes prevalence in Europe is higher among older adults, those without tertiary education, and unemployed individuals. These are conditions more commonly found in Southern and Eastern EU countries.

Undiagnosed diabetes is also more common in several Mediterranean countries. It points to gaps in early detection that inflate total diabetes prevalence figures in the region.

Where Does Germany’s Diabetes Prevalence Stand?

Among 20–79 year olds, Germany ranks 8th in the EU by diabetes prevalence at 10.6%. However, it ranks first in absolute numbers. An estimated 6.5 million German adults live with diabetes.

Germany’s diabetes prevalence has increased over recent years. Two risk factors help explain this rise:

• Obesity prevalence in Germany sits at about 19% in 2019. The highest rates are found among 45‑ to 64‑year‑olds and among people in lower education groups.
• Germany has an ageing population. Diabetes prevalence rises sharply with age.

These two factors are established risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Which EU Countries Have the Lowest Diabetes Prevalence?

Several Northern and Western European countries rank among the lowest in the EU for diabetes prevalence.

Ireland ranks lowest in the EU with a diabetes prevalence of 4.4%. It is followed by Luxembourg (6.7%) and the Netherlands (6.9%).

Northern and Western European countries have lower concentrations of major diabetes risk factors compared to Southern and Eastern Europe. These include lower rates of obesity, higher educational attainment, and stronger early detection systems.

What Is the EU Doing to Address Diabetes?

The EU has taken concrete steps to address rising diabetes prevalence:

2025 Safe Hearts Plan: The European Commission set a specific screening target. At least 65% of adults aged 25 to 64, and at least 80% of those aged 65 and older, should have their blood glucose measured annually by a healthcare professional.

2022 Parliament Resolution: The European Parliament called for stronger EU and national action on diabetes prevention, management, and care.

JACARDI: The EU Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes is a Commission-funded initiative that executed 142 pilot projects across member states. It received €53 million in funding. It is the largest EU joint health action to date.