Lifestyle is increasing mortality from endocrine diseases, diabetes remains the leading cause

2026-07-07 14:54:00, Sociale CNA

Lifestyle is increasing mortality from endocrine diseases, diabetes remains the

While the total number of deaths fell in 2025, those from endocrine and nutritional diseases increased significantly. According to data from INSTAT, 241 deaths from endocrine and nutritional diseases were recorded last year, or 15.3% more than in 2024.

This category includes diseases of the endocrine system, metabolic disorders, and those related to nutrition, the most common of which is diabetes and its complications.

The strongest increase in numbers was recorded in Elbasan, where deaths increased from 14 in 2024 to 25 cases last year. Vlora also saw a notable increase, from 4 to 14 cases, while Durrës marked 20 cases in 2025 from 13 in 2024. Increases were also recorded in Dibër, Gjirokastër and Fier.

In percentage terms, the highest growth was in Vlora, with 250%, but this is also related to the low base of comparison in 2024. Strong percentage growth was also recorded in Gjirokastra, with 85.7%, Elbasan with 78.6%, Dibra with 60% and Durrës with 53.8%.

Despite the 11.1% decrease, Tirana continued to have the highest number of deaths from this category, with 48 cases in 2025. It is followed by Fier with 37 cases, Elbasan with 25, Korça with 21, and Durrës and Shkodra with 20 cases each.

In some regions, deaths decreased. Berat recorded 17 deaths, down from 20 a year earlier. Lezha fell from 9 to 7 cases, Kukës from 4 to 3 cases, and Tirana from 54 to 48 cases. In Korça and Shkodra, the number of deaths remained unchanged.

Data show that endocrine and metabolic diseases, especially diabetes, are becoming a major public health burden. The increase in deaths at the national level signals the need for better control of chronic diseases, early diagnosis and more regular follow-up of patients with metabolic disorders.

Deaths from endocrine and nutritional diseases are largely related to diabetes and its complications. This category also includes thyroid diseases, metabolic disorders, and other hormonal problems, but diabetes is the dominant cause of mortality.

The increase in the number of deaths from these diseases is usually explained by several factors acting simultaneously. One of the most important is the aging of the population, as diabetes and metabolic disorders are more common in older ages. Also, the increase in overweight and obesity, unhealthy nutrition and lack of physical activity have led to an increase in cases of type 2 diabetes in our country.

The complications of the disease also play an important role. Many patients do not die from diabetes itself, but from the consequences it causes in the body, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, strokes or serious infections. The risk also increases when the disease is diagnosed late or is not kept under control through treatment and continuous monitoring.

Data shows that deaths from endocrine and nutritional diseases increased by 15.3% compared to a year earlier, reflecting the increase in diabetes cases, the aging population, and the deterioration of patients' health conditions./ Monitor