Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Lecturer and Bioengineer Ece Yıldız Öztürk said that the number of diabetics in our country is over 10 million and this number is increasing every year, but this increase can be reduced with proper nutrition.
Yaşar University Vocational School Food Processing Department Head Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Ece Yıldız Öztürk stated that it is important to develop healthy eating habits in the prevention of diabetes; carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats should be consumed in a balanced way.
Making healthy nutrition recommendations against diabetes, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Ece Yıldız Öztürk said, “It is important to take carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats in a balanced way. A diet containing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and low-fat dairy products should be preferred. Whole grain products (whole wheat bread, bulgur, brown rice) should be consumed instead of white bread and flour.”
Having recently received an invitation from Thomas More University of Applied Sciences in Geel, Belgium within the scope of the Erasmus Staff Mobility Program and giving lectures on “Innovative, Advanced, Current Bioengineering Applications in Diabetes Management” to international students at the “Diabetes” themed summer school. Prof. Dr. Ece Yıldız Öztürk stated that the rate of increase in the prevalence (incidence) of diabetes in Turkey is three times the world average and four times the European average, and said, “Since diabetes has increased by 70 percent all over the world since 2000, it entered the 10th place in the list of diseases that cause the most deaths in 2019. There has been an 80 percent increase in diabetes-related deaths between 2000 and 2019, especially in men.”
Type 2 diabetes is also seen in children
Reminding that diabetes has become a huge problem globally and is a public health problem in our country, Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Ece Yıldız Öztürk gave the following information: “The main causes of diabetes include obesity, inactivity, unhealthy eating habits and genetic factors. Fast food consumption and lack of physical activity, especially in big cities, worsen this situation. In Turkey, the prevalence of Type 2 diabetes has increased from 7.5 percent to 13.5 percent in 10 years. While the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is usually seen at the age of 40 and above, it has now started to be seen very frequently in childhood. We can prevent or delay the development of type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle and dietary changes such as a healthy and balanced diet, cardio-exercise for 1 hour every day, maintaining a healthy weight, stress management, adequate and regular sleep, quitting harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol can have a preventive or delaying effect, especially on Type 2 diabetes.”
Balanced nutrition
Yaşar University Vocational School Food Processing Department Head Dr. Lecturer, who made suggestions about proper nutrition in the prevention of diabetes. Prof. Dr. Ece Yıldız Öztürk said: “It is important to take carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats in a balanced way. A diet that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, healthy fats and low-fat dairy products should be preferred. Whole grain products (whole wheat bread, bulgur, brown rice) should be preferred over white bread and flour. Whole grains are rich in fiber and help balance blood sugar. Vegetables, fruits, legumes and nuts are high in fiber. Fiber slows digestion and prevents blood sugar from rising. Refined sugar and processed foods (ready-made snacks, sugary drinks) should be avoided. These foods can cause rapid blood sugar spikes.
Saturated and trans fats in red meat, full-fat dairy products and processed foods should be limited. Instead, healthy fats such as olive oil should be preferred. Consuming meals at regular intervals helps to keep blood sugar levels stable. Healthy snacks (fruit, yogurt, nuts) should be preferred during snacks. Drinking enough water helps the metabolism to function properly. At least 8-10 glasses of water a day is recommended.”
Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Ece Yıldız Öztürk emphasized that all these eating habits will help prevent diabetes as well as increase overall health and wellness.
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