Statement from Provincial Health Director Bildirici on World Diabetes Day

Eskişehir Provincial Health Director Assoc. Dr. Yaşar Bildirici made a statement on the occasion of November 14 World Diabetes Day.

In his statement regarding November 14 World Diabetes Day, Eskişehir Provincial Health Director Assoc. Dr. Yaşar Bildirici emphasized that the theme for World Diabetes Day for the years 2024-2026 is “Diabetes and Wellness.” In his statement, which also included projections from the IDF, Bildirici noted that by 2045, 1 in 8 adults will be diabetic, and the number of people with diabetes will increase by 46%, reaching 783 million. He expressed that more than 90% of individuals with diabetes have type 2 diabetes due to socioeconomic, demographic, environmental, and genetic factors, while also mentioning that factors such as urbanization, an aging population, declining physical activity, unhealthy eating habits, excessive weight, and obesity contribute to the increase of type 2 diabetes. Bildirici stated that in 2021, 537 million adults worldwide were living with diabetes, and this number is expected to rise to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045. He mentioned that in Europe, more than 60 million people live with diabetes, with 32 million of them being within the borders of the European Union, indicating that health policies should be implemented in all areas to prevent diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other non-communicable diseases.

Reminding that the Ministry of Health has been conducting systematic studies for years in the fight against diabetes, Assoc. Dr. Bildirici stated that the “St. Vincent Declaration,” initiated by the WHO Regional Office for Europe and the International Diabetes Federation in 1989, was signed on behalf of Turkey in 1992, and that the “National Diabetes Program,” launched in 1994 under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, continues today under the name of the Turkey Diabetes Program. Assoc. Dr. Bildirici conveyed that strategies and concrete actions were proposed to achieve the five main goals set for effective combat against diabetes in the program. He stated that the goals include policy development, prevention and early diagnosis of diabetes, effective treatment, childhood care and treatment, prevention of type 2 diabetes and obesity, and effective monitoring and evaluation of the program. The Provincial Health Director stated that the Turkey Diabetes Program is supported by the “Healthy Eating and Active Life Program,” which aims to prevent obesity, a significant risk factor for diabetes, and noted that these programs are being carried out resolutely in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and relevant stakeholders.