TRNC Minister of Health Calls for Early Diagnosis of Diabetes

On 14 November, as part of World Diabetes Day, TRNC Minister of Health Hakan Dinçyürek urged citizens to monitor their blood sugar levels and undergo medical check-ups. He emphasized the vital importance of early diagnosis and invited residents to state health centres for free fasting and post-meal glucose measurements, as well as for information about the disease.

The Minister reminded that the prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide. Among the main risk factors are obesity and low physical activity, linked to modern lifestyles.

According to the Ministry of Health, in 2022–2023, a total of 4,388 people participated in screening programmes for arterial hypertension, diabetes, and kidney diseases. Diabetes was detected in 34.4% of participants (1,496 people). The incidence rises significantly after the age of 40.

Dinçyürek stressed that the disease often progresses without symptoms, and therefore regular blood sugar monitoring is recommended. Healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, and weight control are essential for prevention. A daily 30-minute walk and regular weight monitoring are highlighted as effective measures.

Special attention is given to high-risk groups: individuals over 45; people with a body mass index above 25; those with close relatives with diabetes; people with high blood pressure or elevated lipid levels; women who gave birth to a baby weighing 4 kg or more or had gestational diabetes; patients with vascular diseases, insulin resistance, or previously diagnosed “prediabetes”. The Minister recommended that these groups start screening earlier and undergo it regularly, and even with normal indicators — take an oral glucose tolerance test at least once every three years.

Possible complications of uncontrolled diabetes include diabetic retinopathy (up to 2% — blindness, 10% — severe vision loss), kidney failure, cardiovascular diseases, diabetic neuropathy, and “diabetic foot”, which may lead to amputations. Regular foot care reduces the risk of complications.