OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to report the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) in children and young adults in Greece and the investigation of the possible impact of the lifestyle changes due to the pandemic

METHODS: Data from the Register of Diabetic Patients of the National Organization of Health Care Provision were examined, specifically for the periods 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 for ages ranging from 0 to 24 years., per sex, age group and per Prefecture of Greece. The two time periods were compared to detect possible differences due to the lifestyle changes by the pandemic

RESULTS: For patients with DM1 the prevalence in the ages 0-24 for the years 2019-2020 and 2020 – 2021 was not found significantly different and equal to 118 patients/100.000 (120 females/100.000 females vs 117 males/100.000 males). For patients with DM2 in the same age group the prevalence in 2020-2021 was found to be significantly increased compared to the years 2019-2020 (28 patients/100.000 population vs 13 patients/100.000 population respectively). Girls presented higher prevalence than boys (25 patients/100.000 girls vs 16 patients/100.000 boys respectively). In the age group 15 – 24 years the mean prevalence was found to be even higher, reaching 43 patients/100.000 population (57 patients/100.000 females vs 31 patients/100.000 males)

CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DM1 in children and young adults is not significantly changed between the years 2019-2020 and 2020 -2021. The doubled prevalence of patients with DM2 in the same period of time is an alarming result, that possible reflects the effects on lifestyle and nutrition due to the lockdowns during the pandemic. Measures to improve physical exercise and nutrition should be planned and implemented aiming the reverse this negative impact.