Türk Diyabet Cemiyeti-Turkish Diabetes Association

Since its establishment in 1955 as a non-profit public service organization, the Turkish Diabetes Association (TDA) has been the leading entity in Turkey in informing the public on diabetes, its prevention and treatment. TDA is reaching out to the public from its headquaters in Istanbul and 5 additional branches across Turkey. Currently, it has 4,000 members. In collaboration with the Turkish Diabetes and Obesity Foundation (TDOF), it maintains a small private diabetes hospital in Istanbul, founded by public donations. Further, also jointly with TDOF a major and more comprehensive Diabetes Hospital is under construction (2013) in Istanbul, which may also be able to provide care for people with limited resources. TDA is a participant of the “Arrest Diabetes Project” of the Turkish Ministry of Health, a nationwide initiative to combat obesity and diabetes. In 1979, TDA joined the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) as its 21st member, thus gaining the opportunity to exchange information with other diabetes associations and experts. Currently, TDA is an important member association representing Turkish diabetes environment, both in the healthcare system of the country and the scientific arena.