Tehran: Data from the Turkish Health Ministry reveal serious deficiencies in both the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes, raising concerns about public health management. According to Deutsche Welle, the International Diabetes Federation has reported that Turkey now holds the highest prevalence of diabetes in the European region. Over the last two decades, diabetes cases have surged by 67%, nearly doubling the overall prevalence to over 16% of the population.
According to Deutsche Welle, the age-standardized prevalence of diabetes in Turkey in 2022 was 16.6% among adults over 18, with 16% of men and 17.1% of women affected. In stark contrast, the EU average hovers around 7-8%, indicating that Turkey's rates are nearly twice the European median. Experts attribute this troubling trend primarily to political shortcomings. Kayihan Pala, a parliamentarian with the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and a professor of public health, points to flawed food policies and a lack of responsibility from the health ministry as significant contributors.
In Pala's assessment, lifestyle and diet, rather than genetic factors, are the primary drivers of increasing diabetes cases. He highlights the lack of exercise and the consumption of large quantities of carbohydrates and sugars as critical issues. A 2014 OECD report revealed that about 45% of those diagnosed with diabetes were unaware of their condition, suggesting that many remain undiagnosed or receive late diagnoses. Alarmingly, Turkey reports high instances of uncontrolled diabetes, leading to complications, with a ratio of 402.6 per 100,000 inhabitants—eight-and-a-half times the OECD average of 47.3.
The Turkish health system's shortcomings are further emphasized by the latest OECD figures from 2023, which show little improvement. While diabetes prevalence remains high, successful treatment rates lag. Pala argues that early diagnosis and systematic disease management are urgently needed, alongside political commitment to promoting lifestyle changes.
A study conducted by the Turkish Health Ministry corroborates the OECD's findings, revealing that many newly diagnosed patients have elevated blood sugar levels. Disease management varies depending on factors like age, gender, and region. Women and men in low-income areas are particularly disadvantaged, making diabetes not just a medical issue but also a socio-economic challenge. Pala insists on enhancing medical care and medication access, noting difficulties some patients face in obtaining their prescriptions and inadequate post-diagnosis communication with healthcare providers.
Obesity is identified as a major risk factor, but Turkey's strategies to combat it are deemed insufficient. Although the health ministry has introduced a three-year action plan promoting healthy eating and physical activity, results are lacking. The WHO European Regional Obesity Report 2022 states that 66.8% of Turkey's population is overweight or obese, the highest percentage in Europe.
Turkish food standards exacerbate the issue, with insufficient statutory requirements for healthy nutrition and unrestricted advertising of unhealthy foods. In an interview with DW, Turkish food scientist Bulent Sik linked the consumption of cheap snacks and sugary drinks to rising obesity rates. Public health expert Kayihan Pala highlights starch-based sugars as another concern, noting their association with type 2 diabetes.
The issue of starch-based sugars has been debated in Turkey for years. The country's Sugar Law, established in 2001, set production quotas that have fluctuated over the years. In 2018, the quota was reduced to 5%, and a presidential decree lowered it further to 2.5%.
To address the diabetes crisis, Pala advocates for a comprehensive policy shift focusing on science-based, socially inclusive programs for nutrition and prevention. He emphasizes the importance of targeting children, proposing free school meals as an effective measure against obesity and diabetes risk.