Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Dr. Deniz Engin Gök stated that early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle habits are of great importance in diabetes, which has reached an incidence rate of 16.6 percent in the adult population in Turkey, adding, "Approximately 80 percent of Type 2 diabetes cases can be prevented by regularly screening individuals in the risk group."
Specialist Dr. Deniz Engin Gök from the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases at Memorial Ankara Hospital provided information on the symptoms, risk factors of diabetes, and precautions to be taken during summer months. Dr. Gök said, "Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by high blood sugar, which develops as a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the produced insulin not being used effectively. According to data from the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization in Turkey, its incidence in the adult population reaches up to 16.6 percent. Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, unhealthy diet, advanced age, family history, high blood pressure, high blood lipids, history of gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome are among the important risk factors for the development of Type 2 diabetes. There are four different types of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for approximately 80 percent of all diabetes cases, is the most common type. Type 1 diabetes develops when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas and requires lifelong insulin treatment. Gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, usually resolves after birth but increases the risk of Type 2 diabetes in later years."
'THESE SYMPTOMS MAY BE HARBINGERS OF DIABETES'
Stating that diabetes can manifest with some important symptoms, Dr. Gök said, "Excessive thirst, dry mouth, frequent urination, especially getting up to urinate at night, weakness, easy fatigue, excessive eating or loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, slow wound healing, recurrent infections, genital yeast infections. These are among the most common symptoms of diabetes. Diabetes can be diagnosed with fasting and postprandial blood sugar measurements and, if deemed necessary, with an oral glucose tolerance test (sugar loading test). It is especially important for individuals at risk for diabetes not to neglect regular health check-ups. Diabetes treatment involves a personalized medical nutrition plan, regular physical activity, weight control, blood sugar monitoring, and oral medications or insulin therapy. The main goal of treatment is to keep blood sugar within the target range to prevent both sudden blood sugar fluctuations and long-term organ damage."
UNCONTROLLED DIABETES CAN LEAD TO SERIOUS ORGAN DAMAGE
Dr. Gök stated that uncontrolled diabetes can lead to serious organ damage, saying, "Diabetes that is not kept under control for a long time can cause serious health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney failure, damage to eye vessels, vision loss, nerve damage, and diabetic foot ulcers. Therefore, regular doctor check-ups and blood sugar monitoring are of great importance. During summer months, increased temperature and fluid-electrolyte loss due to sweating can cause blood sugar fluctuations in diabetic patients. Individuals with diabetes may be more affected by fluid loss than healthy individuals because their kidneys can also be affected. Therefore, unless fluid restriction is recommended by a physician, sufficient water should be consumed, going out during peak sun hours should be avoided, and strenuous physical activities should be refrained from. Changes in diet and skipping meals during summer holidays can negatively affect blood sugar control. Regular consumption of meals, avoidance of fried and fatty foods, and a diet rich in fresh vegetables are recommended. Summer fruits and ice cream are not completely forbidden; however, they should be consumed with portion control. Regular physical activity, a healthy and balanced diet, maintaining ideal weight, adequate sleep, stress management, and regular health check-ups form the basis of diabetes prevention. Approximately 80 percent of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by recognizing early symptoms and regularly screening individuals in the risk group."