The Diabetes Crisis: Approximately 45 Percent of Adults in Turkey Are Unaware of Their Condition

World Diabetes Day provides a critical opportunity to shed light on one of the most pressing chronic diseases rising on a global scale. Data shared by Assoc. Prof. Akarsu reveals the severity of the diabetes landscape in Turkey. The fact that approximately 45 percent of the adult population lives without knowing they have diabetes highlights the silent progression of the disease and the failures in diagnostic processes. While nearly 10 million people between the ages of 20 and 79 are battling diabetes in Turkey, this figure corresponds to 16-17 percent of the adult population.

Background of the Development

The historical trajectory of diabetes in Turkey was clearly documented by the TURDEP-II study conducted in 2010. The diabetes prevalence, which was determined to be 13.7 percent at that time, has shown a serious upward trend over the past 15 years. Data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) for 2025 proves that Turkey is facing a diabetes burden well above the European Union average of 9.8 percent. This situation places Turkey in the category of countries with a high diabetes burden on an international scale.

The spread of the disease is directly linked to profound changes in the socio-economic structure and lifestyle of society. The transition from a traditional agricultural society to an economy focused on industry and services has brought about sedentary desk-bound work models. The prevalence of motorized transport and the lack of safe walking paths in urban areas condemn individuals to a sedentary lifestyle.

Changes in nutritional habits constitute another dark side of the picture. The protective nutrients of the traditional Turkish diet, such as olive oil dishes, legumes, and whole grains, have been rapidly replaced by refined flour products, sugary drinks, and packaged snacks. This shift in nutrition stands out as one of the most important environmental factors triggering metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

Expert and Industry Insights

Experts emphasize that diabetes is not just a matter of individual choice, but is determined by environmental and economic factors. Assoc. Prof. Akarsu states that the fight against diabetes requires a multi-layered strategy. From an industry perspective, the key elements in diabetes management are as follows:

• Expanding screening programs for early diagnosis and increasing awareness campaigns.
• Increasing areas that encourage physical activity (parks, walking paths) in urban planning.
• Making healthy nutrition policies mandatory in schools and workplaces.
• Discussing tax regulations or restrictions on refined sugar and processed foods.
• Updating strategies to combat childhood obesity as type 2 diabetes begins to appear at younger ages.

Experts state that the perception that diabetes is only a disease of old age is no longer valid. The rise in childhood obesity, increased screen time, and the reduction of physical play areas have led to type 2 diabetes appearing even during adolescence. This is a harbinger that the healthcare system will face a heavier burden of chronic patients in the future.

Economic and Social Implications

The economic cost of diabetes is not limited to medication and treatment expenses. The heavy treatment burden created by loss of labor, early retirement, and chronic complications (kidney failure, vision loss, diabetic foot) puts serious pressure on the national economy. The 45 percent who are unaware of their disease face the risk of complications at an earlier age because they start treatment late.

From a social perspective, low education levels and economic hardships limit individuals' access to healthy nutrition. Turning to cheaper, high-calorie processed foods instead of accessing fresh vegetables and fruits causes diabetes to become a socio-economic disease. Increasing public awareness is the most important tool that will increase individuals' control over their own health.

Future Projections and Outlook

In the coming period, it is expected that the 'preventive medicine' approach will be prioritized in the fight against diabetes. It is a critical expectation that the Ministry of Health and local governments treat diabetes as a 'lifestyle disease' and focus on environmental regulations. The negative effects of stress caused by irregular working hours and long commuting times, especially in large cities, on metabolic processes should not be ignored.

Future projections show that diabetes prevalence will continue to increase unless current lifestyle changes are made. Given the vital importance of early diagnosis, making routine health check-ups a culture is necessary. The first step in the fight will be for every segment of society to grasp that diabetes is not just high blood sugar, but a systemic destruction that affects the entire body system.