On Thursday, November 14, the world recognizes World Diabetes Day, a time for those affected by diabetes in Türkiye to come together, share experiences, and enhance their understanding of managing this chronic illness. With various events, medical professionals will provide crucial knowledge on living healthily alongside diabetes, making this initiative an invaluable resource for patients and their families.

The statistics surrounding diabetes are startling. The International Diabetes Federation estimates that one in ten individuals globally has diabetes or prediabetes, and alarmingly, almost half of these individuals are unaware of their condition. Projections indicate that this figure could increase to one in eight people within the next two decades, potentially impacting around 763 million individuals. In the United States alone, one-third of the population is living with diabetes or prediabetes, with an estimated 81% unaware of it. Among all cases, 90% are of Type 2 diabetes, primarily fueled by urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and a diet heavy in processed foods—a trend mirrored in Türkiye.

A recent study referenced by the National Library of Medicine indicates that by 2022, approximately 11% of Türkiye's population had a diabetes diagnosis, with estimates suggesting that as high as 17% may be unaware of their diabetic status, particularly among men.

As a person diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in Türkiye, my experience diverges from the more common Type 2 variant, which is often linked to lifestyle choices. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to produce insulin due to an autoimmune response against the pancreas. My diagnosis came after a period of unexplainable lethargy, prompting medical intervention that revealed my body’s non-existent insulin production. Unlike Type 2, there are no lifestyle alterations that can cure Type 1 diabetes; rather, it requires constant management of my diet, exercise, and insulin administration.

Through Türkiye’s state insurance, I've received consistent care, including necessary medical appointments and insulin supplies. Although the provision for advanced technologies like insulin pumps and continuous glucose monitors is still evolving, I remain grateful for the accessibility of diabetes care, especially considering a near-fatal encounter with ketoacidosis last summer. The life-threatening situation was exacerbated by extreme heat, a viral infection, and inadequate electricity, leading to dangerously high blood sugar levels.

In my time of need, I reached out to my local family physician—an integral part of the healthcare system in Türkiye, assigned to specific neighborhoods via the Sağlık Ocağı (Community Health Center). His prompt response was crucial; he recognized my dire state over the phone despite my struggle to communicate. Thanks to his quick actions, an ambulance arrived, leading to timely critical care that I might not have otherwise survived.

Post-hospitalization, I embarked on a careful recovery, often reminded by medical staff of the gravity of my situation. With a concerning blood pH level that could have led to fatal consequences, it was a pivotal moment in my life—one that highlighted the responsibility I have towards managing my health effectively.

My ongoing treatment includes regular consultations, which I schedule through Türkiye’s efficient online medical portal, E-Nabız. This facilitates streamlined access to my medical records and test results, making the management of my health surprisingly straightforward.

On this World Diabetes Day, the conference hall of my local hospital will dedicate itself to raising diabetes awareness, promoting preventive measures, and providing communal support. This gathering offers patients the chance to deepen their understanding of this challenging disease.

After some time away from work and writing due to my health challenges, it feels quite right to return with a focus on diabetes—the very condition that has shaped much of my life. For many with Type 2 diabetes, there lies an opportunity for prevention through lifestyle awareness, while those of us with Type 1 diabetes must adopt healthy living as a non-negotiable part of our existence to mitigate complications and ensure stability.

As we commemorate this day, let’s remember that diabetes touches many lives. With awareness and support, we can empower one another to live healthier lives, regardless of our individual challenges.