Every 6 seconds, someone dies from complications related to diabetes disease worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) data, 1 in every 11 individuals in the 20-79 age range has diabetes. This ratio is expected to rise to 1 in 10 by 2045. It is also known that the number of undiagnosed patients is quite substantial.

What is World Diabetes Day and what does it aim to achieve?
World Diabetes Day, initiated in 1991 by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and observed every November 14th, aims to draw attention to the rapidly increasing diabetes cases and create awareness, thereby preventing deaths related to diabetes. Today, more than 160 countries, including Turkey, recognize this special day and organize educational events to raise awareness.

What is diabetes?
Diabetes, more commonly known as sugar disease in the general population, is one of the most frequent chronic conditions in our modern era. It is seen widespread across the world and plays a primary role in the development of many fatal diseases. The full name of this disease, Diabetes Mellitus, means sweet urine in Greek. It is a metabolic disease resulting from the pancreas not producing sufficient insulin or the insulin produced not being used effectively.

In a healthy individual at fasting, blood glucose levels do not exceed 120 mg/dL, and when full (at least 2 hours after eating) they do not exceed 140 mg/dL. When blood glucose levels measured during both fasting and fed states exceed these levels, a person is diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes occurs more frequently in individuals with a family history of sugar disease. Excess weight gain increases the risk of becoming diabetic.

The foods consumed are broken down in the intestines and converted to glucose, the fuel of the body. In healthy individuals, glucose that enters the blood is transported into cells by insulin secreted from the pancreas. When the insulin hormone is absent or its effect is impaired, glucose cannot be transported into the cells. This means glucose accumulation in the blood. Some symptoms of diabetes related to elevated blood glucose include excessive thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite, dry mouth, vision problems, fatigue, and weakness. If blood glucose is not kept under control, it causes permanent damage to many organs including the eyes, kidneys, nerve endings, heart, and brain.

How many types of diabetes are there?
There are 2 types of diabetes most commonly seen in the population. Type I diabetes is most frequently seen during childhood and youth. It comprises approximately 10% of diabetic patients in our country. Type I diabetes develops as a result of damage to the pancreatic beta cells responsible for insulin secretion. It presents symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, deep breathing, dry mouth, skin dryness, excessive water consumption, and frequent urination. Insulin use is necessary in Type I diabetes because the body does not produce sufficient insulin hormone and external support is required.

Type II diabetes, generally seen in individuals over 40 years of age, is the most common form of diabetes in the population. Unlike Type I diabetes, insulin is secreted from the pancreas but cannot be used by the cells. In advanced stages of the disease, the level of insulin secreted decreases. Closely related to obesity, Type II diabetes can also develop based on genetic predispositions. It presents symptoms such as good appetite despite weight loss, vision problems, itching, and numbness in the hands and feet.

What should diabetes patients pay attention to?
There are certain rules that diabetic patients must follow to improve their quality of life.

• Weight control must be achieved.
• A proper and quality sleep routine should be established.
• Physical inactivity must be prevented.
• Blood glucose levels should be monitored at regular intervals.
• Stress must be managed optimally.
• Smoking must be stopped.
• Foods rich in unsaturated fats should be preferred.
• Medical checkups should never be neglected.