Ministry of Health conducted 9.6 million diabetes screenings in 2026, 376,000 people diagnosed

The Ministry of Health carried out 9.6 million diabetes screenings at family health centers in 2026. According to the ministry's statement, 376,000 people were diagnosed with diabetes as a result of the screenings and regular follow-ups were initiated for them. Over the same period, family physicians carried out approximately 8.2 million follow-ups. Screening and follow-up work is conducted through the Disease Management Platform (HYP).

The ministry defines diabetes, known among the public as "sugar disease," as a chronic illness that emerges when blood sugar levels rise as a result of the body being unable to produce the insulin hormone in sufficient quantities or to use it effectively. The disease has three main types: Type 1, Type 2 and gestational diabetes; when it is not brought under control, it can cause permanent damage to vital organs.

Type 1 diabetes usually begins in childhood or youth and can be seen at any age. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for more than 90 percent of cases, mostly progresses without giving symptoms. According to the ministry's statement, 589 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, and 4 out of every 10 people with diabetes live without knowing they have the disease.

In children, drinking a lot of water, frequent urination, constant drowsiness, unexplained weight loss, fatigue and blurred vision are counted among the symptoms of Type 1 diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, excess weight, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy nutrition, a family history of diabetes and advanced age are among the risk factors.

The ministry runs the Diabetes School program so that individuals living with diabetes can recognize their disease and properly manage their treatment processes. At 291 diabetes schools across the country, training is provided on disease management, healthy nutrition, medication and insulin use, blood sugar monitoring and physical activity. More than 5,000 training programs were organized in 2026 at the schools, where physicians, diabetes nurses, dietitians, psychologists, pharmacists and social workers serve, and more than 50,000 people benefited from these trainings.

At diabetes outpatient clinics in 334 health facilities affiliated with the ministry, patients referred by a physician were instructed on the correct administration of insulin injections, blood sugar monitoring, carbohydrate consumption and what to do in the event of low or high blood sugar. Within this scope, more than 52,000 people were given diabetes training in 2026.

The ministry recommends paying attention to healthy nutrition, engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight in order to prevent diabetes and keep it under control. Citizens in the risk group are asked to apply to family physicians without waiting for symptoms, and those with a diabetes diagnosis are asked not to neglect their treatment and check-ups and to protect their eye and kidney health.