Trends in the incidence cases of diabetes mellitus in Elbasan, Albania, 2020–2024: A retrospective registry-based study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is an increasing public health concern in Albania; however, long-term regional epidemiological data remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate temporal trends in newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus cases in Elbasan, Albania, from 2020 to 2024 and to describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of affected patients.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Elbasan Regional Directorate of the Health Care Services Operator (OSHKSH) and the regional diabetes registry for 2020–2024. A total of 1,917 newly diagnosed diabetes cases were included. Data on sex, age, residence, educational level, body mass index (BMI), hypertension, family history of diabetes, and hypolipidemic medication use were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and Pearson’s Chi-square test were applied to assess associations between categorical variables, while temporal trends were evaluated using annual case counts and percentage changes.
Results: Newly diagnosed diabetes cases increased from 223 in 2020 to 599 in 2023, followed by a decline to 390 cases in 2024 (−34.9%). Most patients were aged 55–64 years (38.1%), resided in urban areas (56.1%), and had low educational attainment (45.3%). More than 85% were overweight or obese, whereas 70–80% reported no family history of diabetes. No significant sex differences were found in age distribution, BMI, hypertension, or family history. Significant temporal variations were observed in hypertension prevalence and hypolipidemic medication use, although interpretation should consider missing data for 2022–2023.
Conclusions: The findings indicate a substantial increase in newly diagnosed diabetes cases between 2020 and 2023, followed by a decline in 2024. The high prevalence of modifiable risk factors, particularly overweight, obesity, and urban residence, underscores the need for targeted prevention strategies. Strengthening registry-based surveillance is essential to monitor disease trends and support evidence-based public health interventions in Albania.