Italy

Study populations

Italy has the most rapidly ageing population and the lowest birth rate in Europe. Currently 14% of its population is under the age of 15 and 35% are 60 years or older, a trend which is projected to continue. By 2050, 56% of the population (19.9m) will be at least 60 years old and only 13% under the age of 15.

Alongside the ageing population, diabetes prevalence is increasing – with the most recent statistics reporting 3.5m people living with the condition and an estimated 1.3m undiagnosed cases. Italy is ranked 10th highest in the world for diabetes–related health expenditure at $12bn USD.

Report & Infographic

Cover page for Italy Study Report. For accessible PDF version of full report click the image.

Info-graphic containing overview of findings. For an accessible PDF please click the image.

Time of presentation for screening with an ophthamologist

36.8% In time for screening, 63.2% When visual problems have already occurred, 0% Too late for effective treatment

(Ophthamologists n=19)

In time for screening When visual problems have already occurred Too late for effective treatment

Availability of DR patient education materials in health care providers’ offices

32.1% Sufficient information available, 14.3% Information not sufficient, 39.3% No written information available, 14.3% Don’t know

(All providers n=28)

Sufficient information available Information not sufficient No written information available Don’t know

Complications adults with diabetes were most concerned about

26.2% Vision loss, 18.8% Kidney disease, 17.4% Cardiovascular disease/stroke, 10.1% Amputation

(Adults with diabetes n=69)

Vision loss Kidney disease Cardiovascular disease/stroke Amputation

Frequency of discussions about eye complications with health care providers

20% Every visit, 34.3% Multiple times per year, 28.6% Once a year, 10% When symptoms arise, 7% Never

(Adults with diabetes n=70)

Every visit Multiple times per year Once a year When symptoms arise Never

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