Diabetes is spreading, doctors call for regular checkups and consistent treatment

About 6,600 people are diagnosed with diabetes each year, while the large number of people living with the disease without knowing it remains a concern. According to Irfan Ahmeti, director of the Endocrinology Clinic, proper care and treatment can be provided at every level of the healthcare system.

“The family doctor makes the diagnosis, should initiate treatment and provide the patient with proper education, because the diabetes center does not have the capacity to handle such a large influx of patients. Nevertheless, our clinic accepts all patients with type 1 diabetes who are on insulin and those with type 2 diabetes who have multiple comorbidities,” said Irfan Ahmeti, director of the Endocrinology Clinic.

Experts urge people to get regular checkups and stay informed, as various treatment options for diabetes are available today.

“Initiatives like these are crucial because people still face a certain stigma when confronting health issues they may have. The stigma may come from society. However, patients usually tend to start with tablets and then move on to insulin,” said endocrinologist Bekim Fera.

Diabetes Awareness Month aims to improve public information and awareness about the disease. Data from the Institute of Health show that more than 140,000 people have diabetes, while about 47,000 of them are undiagnosed or refuse treatment.