Diabetes is striking earlier than ever: by 2049, global type 1 diabetes cases could reach 12.1 million, a 29% rise from the 9.4 million estimated for 2025, while type 2 is increasing among people under 20.
From the 62nd Congress of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD), taking place in Milan through October 2, there are findings that also bear on general medicine: timely diagnosis, continuous glucose monitoring, early treatment, and cardiometabolic protection.
Diabete di tipo 1 e 2: crescita globale e impatto sui giovani
The DIAMOND-T1D model indicates that in 2025 the 0-19 age group accounted for 42% of new type 1 diabetes cases: 37% in high-income countries and 49% in low-income countries. Type 2 diabetes also shows earlier onset: a U.S. study by the Colorado School of Public Health reports nearly a tenfold increase in new cases among those under 20 since the turn of the century.
In Italy almost 4 million people live with diabetes and about 1.5 million are unaware of their condition. While type 1 diabetes represents a much smaller share than type 2, by 2049 cases could grow by 16%, surpassing 239,000 people.
Diabete di tipo 1: il ruolo delle terapie disease-modifying
Disease-modifying therapies do not replace insulin, but aim to modulate the autoimmune response and preserve beta-cell function. Today there is only one approved drug to slow disease progression; other immunomodulators, together with antigen-specific and cellular strategies, are in development and could broaden treatment options.
CGM e trattamento precoce: le indicazioni per la pratica clinica
Francesco Giorgino, president of EASD, emphasizes the need for timely interventions. The new EASD guideline evaluates extending continuous glucose monitoring to all adults with type 2 diabetes, regardless of insulin therapy. The ADA/EASD 2026 Consensus Report also advocates early and intensive treatment that, in addition to glycemic control, considers cardiovascular, renal, and hepatic protection and weight management.
Obesità e diabete di tipo 2: un unico rischio cardiometabolico
The rise of type 2 diabetes in pediatric populations tracks with increasing overweight and obesity, especially in industrialized nations. At the Congress, evidence on incretins and multi-agonists, the role of amylin, and the latest obesity therapies were discussed, with attention to mechanisms of action, safety, management of adverse effects, and use across different patient subgroups.
Prevenzione e diagnosi precoce: il quadro normativo italiano
Italy has an advanced regulatory framework: from Law 115 of 1987 on diabetes to the Mulè Law, which introduced pediatric screening for type 1 diabetes and celiac disease, up to the Pella Law, which recognizes obesity as a chronic, progressive, and relapsing disease. A draft bill, Bill 287, introduced by Senator Daniela Sbrollini, is under consideration and aims to recognize physical activity as a therapy that can be prescribed by the National Health Service.
Prevenzione e assistenza: le priorità indicate dalle istituzioni
Giorgio Mulè, deputy speaker of the Chamber, highlights the need to translate research and clinical evidence into early diagnosis and support for families. Senator Daniela Sbrollini points to prescribing physical activity as a preventive and sustainable tool for the National Health Service, while Roberto Pella, co-chair of the Parliamentary Intergroup on Obesity, Diabetes and Noncommunicable Chronic Diseases, calls for recognizing obesity as a disease and placing metabolic health at the center of the political agenda.
Ricerca e accesso alle cure
Andrea Lenzi, president of the National Research Council, underscores the role of research in turning scientific knowledge into tools for prevention, diagnosis, and care. For Manuela Bertaggia, president of Fand – Italian Diabetics Association, priorities include equitable access to therapies and innovative technologies, support for families from diagnosis, and fighting stigma.
