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Diabetes prevalence rises in Turkey as experts warn of silent symptoms
Medical experts are warning about the silent progression of Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, noting that these conditions can advance for long periods without obvious symptoms. Dr. Melek Aksu Geyik highlights that feeling healthy can be misleading, as the disease often develops insidiously.
Key warning signs include excessive thirst, frequent urination, constant fatigue, blurred vision, unexplained weight changes, slow-healing wounds, and numbness in the extremities. Additionally, velvety darkening of the skin in areas like the neck and armpits, known as acanthosis nigricans, may indicate insulin resistance.
In Turkey, the number of adults living with diabetes has seen a significant rise, growing from approximately 1.8 million in 2000 to an estimated 9.6 million in 2024. Dr. Sonay Güven Karataş identifies excess weight, abdominal obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and poor dietary habits as primary drivers of this increase. Experts recommend regular health screenings, especially for those with a family history of diabetes, obesity, or inactive lifestyles, to manage risks through weight control and physical activity.
Entities
Büyük Anadolu Samsun Hastanesi · Dr. Melek Aksu Geyik · Dr. Sonay Güven Karataş
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes can progress without obvious symptoms for long periods. www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.medyagazete.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Velvety darkening in skin folds like the neck or armpits, known as acanthosis nigricans, may indicate insulin resistance. www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.medyagazete.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Symptoms of high blood sugar include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, hunger, blurred vision, weight changes, slow wound healing, and numbness. www.ilkhaber-gazetesi.com · www.medyagazete.com