According to the statement made by the Ministry, diabetes, popularly known as "diabetes", is defined as a chronic disease that occurs when the sugar level in the blood increases as a result of the body's inability to produce enough of the insulin hormone or to use it effectively.
The disease, which has three basic types: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes, can cause permanent damage to vital organs if not controlled.
Although type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood or adolescence, it can occur at any age and occurs when the body cannot produce enough insulin.
Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for more than 90 percent of diabetes cases, develops due to the body's inability to use insulin effectively or produce sufficient amounts of it, and it often progresses without symptoms.
4 out of every 10 people with diabetes live without knowing their disease
589 million adults in the world live with diabetes, and 4 out of every 10 people with diabetes live without knowing their disease. If diabetes is not controlled, high blood sugar levels can affect vital organs and cause permanent damage over time.
Drinking too much water, frequent urination, constant sleepiness, unexplained weight loss, weakness and blurred vision are among the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes in children.
Overweight, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, family history of diabetes and advanced age are among the risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
- 9.6 million diabetes screenings were carried out in 2026
The Ministry carries out screening and monitoring studies in family physicians for the early diagnosis and regular follow-up of diabetes.
Within the scope of the studies carried out through the Disease Management Platform (HYP), 9.6 million diabetes screenings were performed in 2026. As a result of the screenings, 376 thousand people were diagnosed with diabetes and regular follow-up was started.
In the same period, approximately 8.2 million follow-ups were performed by family physicians.
More than 50 thousand people received training in diabetes schools
The Ministry carries out the Diabetes School program so that individuals living with diabetes can recognize their diseases and manage their treatment processes correctly.
In 291 diabetes schools across the country, training is provided for individuals diagnosed with diabetes and their relatives on disease management, healthy nutrition, medication and insulin use, blood sugar monitoring and physical activity.
Trainings in diabetes schools, where physicians, diabetes nurses, dietitians, psychologists, pharmacists and social workers work, are planned according to the needs of the participants and supported with individual and interactive methods.
In this context, more than 5 thousand training programs were organized in diabetes schools in 2026, and more than 50 thousand people benefited from these trainings.
More than 52 thousand people were trained in diabetes polyclinics
In diabetes polyclinics serving in 334 health facilities affiliated with the Ministry, personalized training was offered to individuals with diabetes in order to manage their diseases.
In the trainings for patients directed by the physician, the correct application of insulin injection, blood sugar monitoring, carbohydrate consumption and what to do in case of low or high blood sugar are explained. In this context, more than 52 thousand people were given diabetes education in 2026.
Early diagnosis and regular follow-up are important against the risk of diabetes.
In order to prevent and control diabetes, it is necessary to pay attention to a healthy diet, engage in regular physical activity, and maintain a healthy body weight.
It is important for citizens in the diabetes risk group to consult their family physician and have their scans done without waiting for symptoms. Those diagnosed with diabetes should not neglect their treatment and control and should protect their eye and kidney health.
