Türkiye Leads Europe in Diabetes Prevalence

The Turkish Ophthalmological Society (TOD), in a statement regarding 14 November World Diabetes Day, drew attention to the fact that Turkey is the European country with the highest prevalence of diabetes, noting that patients unaware of their diabetes condition face a risk of vision loss. Prof. Dr. Nurten Ünlü, Head of the Medical Retina Unit at the Turkish Ophthalmological Society, stated that the eye is one of the organs most severely affected by diabetes and that this condition, regarded as the plague of the century, constitutes a significant public health problem. He cautioned that even diabetic patients without eye complaints should visit an ophthalmologist at least once a year.

15% of Adults in Turkey Have Diabetes

Prof. Dr. Nurten Ünlü, Head of the Medical Retina Unit at the Turkish Ophthalmological Society, made important statements regarding 'World Diabetes Day', celebrated annually on 14 November. Ünlü, citing figures from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), stated that there are approximately 7 million diabetic patients identified in the 20-79 age range in Turkey, that this figure corresponds to approximately 15% of the total adult population, and that with this rate, Turkey has the highest diabetes prevalence among European countries. Risk of blindness very high Prof. Dr. Nurten Ünlü noted that diabetes can affect our eyes across a wide spectrum, from simple transient vision changes to permanent vision loss. He stated that cataracts are seen more frequently in diabetic patients, and that besides this, patients may experience double vision complaints. He also said that diabetic retinopathy, a condition that develops, can cause vision loss through damage to blood vessels in the retina and the formation of abnormal new blood vessels. Providing the information that "diabetic macular edema is the accumulation of blood and fluid leaking from weakened vessels in the macula, the center of vision, at any point during the course of diabetic retinopathy," Ünlü continued as follows: "As the duration of diabetes increases, the risk of vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy also increases. Other risk factors accompanying diabetes include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, kidney disease, anemia, sleep apnea, and pregnancy. The symptoms of diabetic macular edema are blurred vision, faded colours, seeing objects' shapes and sizes differently, black spots in the visual field, and seeing straight lines as wavy or broken. Diabetic macular edema, which can cause vision impairment and blindness in diabetic patients, significantly worsens patients' quality of life and reduces the likelihood of coping with both the disease itself and diabetes. Since diabetic macular edema is particularly seen in people of productive age, it causes a significant burden for both the individual and society."

Early diagnosis is of vital importance

Prof. Dr. Nurten Ünlü added that both worldwide and in our country, approximately 50% of diabetic patients can be identified, and that a large proportion of diabetic patients learn that they have diabetes during eye examinations, stating: "For this reason, early diagnosis and early initiation of treatment are of great importance. Diabetic patients must have regular eye examinations for early diagnosis. Starting treatment early can halt or slow the development of vision loss. It is also important to correct metabolic disorders associated with diabetes in treatment. The aim should be to keep blood glucose levels, blood pressure, serum lipids, and heart and kidney functions at normal values as much as possible. In addition, many risk factors can be modified through regular exercise, avoiding smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight," he said.