Diabetes prevalence and awareness in adults in the Balcova district in Turkey

Background/aim: To determine the prevalence and awareness of diabetes and to evaluate associated factors in a population aged 30 and over in the Balcova district of Izmir, Turkey. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study data from 12,915 people who participated in Balcova's Heart Project were evaluated. Diabetes was defined using fasting blood glucose levels according to ADA criteria. Results: Diabetes prevalence was 13.0% and 87.7% of the patients were aware of the condition. Diabetes prevalence was 1.32 times higher in males, 1.31 times higher in individuals with primary school or lower level of education, 1.37 times higher in individuals who perceived their economic status as bad, 1.20 times higher in those who had quit smoking, 2.84 times higher in individuals who had chronic disease, 1.78 times higher in overweight or obese individuals, and 1.65 times higher in individuals with high blood pressure. Diabetes awareness was 1.78 times higher in women, 1.94 times higher in individuals with social security, 2.62 times higher in individuals with a chronic disease, and 3.55 times higher in individuals who perceived their economic level as poor. Conclusion: Diabetes prevention policies and programs that aim for early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of complications in patients should be developed and implemented for the public.