San Raffaele
San Raffaele
Italy, Milan
Riccardo Rosati
41 years of experience
accreditations :
Clinic is certified :
Diabetes type 2 treatment cost in Italy primarily depends on whether the patient requires routine medication management or advanced surgical intervention. A retinal nerve fiber layer measurement (RNFL) typically runs from $100 to $200, while specialized procedures like metabolic surgery range from $12,500 to $20,000. Total expenses are influenced by the choice between oral therapy and insulin or the presence of complications. Patients can expect approximately 30-50% savings compared to the US, with top clinics located in Milan, Rome, and Ravenna.
Typical Diabetes Type 2 Treatment Costs in Italy
Bookimed Expert Insight: Patients with advanced complications, such as diabetic foot disease, should seek specialized surgical centers. Maria Cecilia Hospital is a global leader in this field. Dr. Luca Dalla Paola has performed 12,000 diabetic foot operations with a 95% limb-saving rate. For those requiring weight-related metabolic control, San Raffaele in Milan offers high-volume surgical expertise under Professor Riccardo Rosati. These specialized IRCCS research hospitals provide the best value for complex, multidisciplinary cases.
| Italy | Turkey | Austria | |
| Stem cell for diabetes | from $18,000 | from $12,000 | from $25,000 |
| Metabolic surgery | from $12,500 | from $4,140 | from $17,000 |
| Gastric band | from $9,000 | from $4,275 | from $14,000 |
| Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) | from $1,500 | from $800 | from $1,800 |
| Biliopancreatic diversion | from $11,800 | from $5,245 | - |
No hidden fees – just official clinic prices. Pay at the clinic for Diabetes type 2 treatment and use a flexible installment plan if needed.
Bookimed is committed to your safety. We only work with medical institutions that maintain high international standards in Diabetes type 2 treatment and have the necessary licenses to serve international patients worldwide.
Bookimed offers free expert assistance. A personal medical coordinator supports you before, during, and after your treatment, solving any issues. You're never alone on your Diabetes type 2 treatment journey.
Leading a high-volume GI surgery department, Professor Rosati oversees 2,000+ complex digestive tract surgeries annually at San Raffaele.
Specialized in Diabetic Foot and Charcot Foot with over 100 scientific publications – Dr. Dalla Paola is a leader in diabetic foot care at Maria Cecilia Hospital.
Dr. Serena Piacentini is a specialist in Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, with a focus on diabetes and dyslipidemia at Mater Oblia Hospital.
Dr. Giuseppe Speziale is a cardiac surgeon and Director of Cardiac Surgery at Santa Maria Hospital. He lives and works in Rome. He focuses on minimally invasive and noninvasive valvular surgeries. Dr. Speziale serves as the Vice President of GVM Care & Research. He treats complex conditions like atrial fibrillation and mitral valve prolapse.
Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in Italy relies on standardized blood glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing. Italian centers confirm cases through fasting glucose levels above 126 mg/dl or HbA1c over 6.5%. Specialized endocrinologists and diabetologists coordinate treatment following national Italian Diabetologists Association guidelines.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian diabetes management often focuses on high-volume centers to maintain quality. Prof. Luca Dalla Paola has performed approximately 12,000 diabetic foot operations. His limb-saving interventions maintain a 90% to 95% success rate. Choosing centers with such high specialized volumes often leads to better long-term outcomes than general clinics.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that diagnosis often happens during routine blood tests with their family doctor. Many emphasize applying for the exemption card quickly to avoid co-pays on monitoring strips and insulin.
Italy covers diabetes medications through the Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN) public healthcare system. Patients with type 2 diabetes typically access drugs like metformin, insulin, and SGLT2 inhibitors for free or a small copay. Specialized plans are often required for newer medications.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Our data highlights that Italy integrates high-volume research centers like San Raffaele in Milan into the public network. These institutions handle over 300,000 patients annually and bridge the gap between clinical research and standard care. For complex cases, choosing a facility like Maria Cecilia Hospital is strategic, as specialists there have performed over 12,000 diabetic foot operations with a 90% limb-salvage success rate.
Patient Consensus: Patients emphasize securing the C10 exemption code immediately through a GP to eliminate costs. Many note that while basic meds are fast to get, advanced injections may involve a 1-to-3 month wait for specialist approval.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) is available for type 2 patients in Italy through the National Health Service (SSN) or private purchase. Access typically requires an endocrinologist prescription. Eligibility usually depends on insulin use or a history of frequent, problematic hypoglycemia episodes.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian research hospitals like San Raffaele integrate advanced metabolic monitoring with extensive clinical research. Data shows that patients seeking CGM often face shorter wait times by consulting specialists at major research centers in Milan. These institutions manage over 300,000 patients yearly and frequently lead in adopting new diabetes technologies.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that while the SSN provides free devices, the approval process can take up to 6 months. Many suggest tracking blood sugar manually first to provide doctors with documented evidence of fluctuations when requesting a CGM.
Travelers with type 2 diabetes in Italy must carry a signed physician travel letter on official letterhead. This document must list your diagnosis, all medications like metformin or insulin, and delivery devices. Original prescriptions with generic drug names ensure pharmacists can provide correct refills.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian specialists like Professor Luca Dalla Paola at Maria Cecilia Hospital focus heavily on diabetic foot care. Our data shows that top-rated centers in Milan and Rome often manage over 2,000 endocrine cases annually. If you stay over 3 months, you must carry original prescriptions for all testing supplies.
Patient Consensus: Patients note that keeping glucose meter strips in their original packaging prevents questioning by customs authorities. It is also helpful to save photos of all prescriptions in a digital wallet as a backup.
Italy manages Type 2 diabetes through a tiered system focusing on metformin and GLP-1 agonists. Specialists at centres like San Raffaele in Milan oversee complex cases. Treatment prioritises cardiovascular protection using SGLT-2 inhibitors. Dedicated diabetes units provide specialised metabolic care.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian diabetes care excels in preventing severe complications like diabetic foot. Dr Luca Dalla Paola has performed 12,000 such operations. He reports a 90% success rate in saving limbs. Patients with advanced vascular issues should seek these specific limb-salvage experts in Ravenna.
Patient Consensus: Patients in Italy find success by starting with strict diet and exercise changes alongside metformin. They emphasise bringing a clear management plan for seamless prescription continuation through the public system.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are available in Italy for managing Type 2 diabetes. Specialist diabetologists (diabetologo) must prescribe these medications. Italian clinical guidelines recommend them over insulin for many patients. Access requires a specialist prescription and oversight rather than a GP.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian metabolic centres often combine treatment with research. San Raffaele Research Hospital has IRCCS accreditation. This means they integrate patient care with scientific study. This environment offers patients protocols that go beyond standard medication. Clinics focus on long-term diabetes remission through research-backed methods.
Patient Consensus: Patients find that pharmacy stock varies significantly by region in Italy. It is essential to bring a full treatment history to assist local specialists. Availability exists, but expect to arrange a formal medical consultation. You cannot purchase injectors over the counter.
Obtaining Type 2 diabetes medication in Italy requires a valid prescription at a local pharmacy. Australian tourists must pay out-of-pocket. Residents registered with the Italian National Health Service may access subsidies. Specialist consultations at clinics like San Raffaele in Milan help manage complex prescriptions.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian endocrinology is highly specialised. Some experts focus almost exclusively on diabetic complications. For example, Prof. Luca Dalla Paola has performed 12,000 limb-saving operations. Patients with advanced diabetes should seek centres like San Raffaele. This hospital serves 300,000 patients annually and manages complex metabolic cases.
Italy structures diabetes care through its National Health Service (SSN). This provides universal access to treatment and diagnostics. General practitioners manage day-to-day care. Specialist units at accredited hospitals handle complex cases, metabolic surgery, and complications. This integrated system provides comprehensive management from diagnosis through to surgery.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Public hospitals provide standard care, yet research hospitals like San Raffaele lead in metabolic surgery. For complex cases, patients should look for IRCCS-accredited centres. These facilities treat over 300,000 patients annually. They offer specialised gastrointestinal surgeries that can help reverse type 2 diabetes symptoms.
Patient Consensus: Residents note that the Italian health system covers medications and monitoring tools at minimal cost. International patients often travel to Rome or Milan to access specialists. Dr Luca Dalla Paola, for example, has performed over 12,000 operations for diabetic complications.
Managing Type 2 diabetes in Italy emphasises the Mediterranean diet within a clinical framework. This focuses on low-GI whole grains, olive oil fats, and regular physical activity. Italian centres also integrate metabolic surgery and stem cell research for long-term glucose control.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italian diabetes management often bridges the gap between lifestyle and surgery. While many pursue dietary changes, Dr Luca Dalla Paola reports a 90% limb-saving success rate. He achieves this through specialised diabetic foot care. For patients with complications, Maria Cecilia Hospital offers tissue bioengineering that standard lifestyle programmes lack.
Australian travellers visiting Italy must carry a doctor's letter and an NDSS card for medical devices. Pack triple your usual insulin and testing strips in carry-on luggage. Monitor blood sugar frequently as Italian pasta and pizza increase carbohydrate intake.
Bookimed Expert Insight: Italy offers quality care. Prof. Luca Dalla Paola at Maria Cecilia Hospital performs about 12,000 diabetic foot operations. He reports success rates of 90–95% for limb-saving procedures. This makes Italy a notable destination for travellers requiring specialised diabetic surgical expertise.
Patient Consensus: Travellers advise keeping hypo snacks handy as Italian dinner times start late. Patients suggest monitoring glucose while exploring. Extra walking combined with local food makes sugar levels less predictable.