A meaningful project launched on World Diabetes Day: 'Diabetes-Friendly Hotel'; diabetes-friendly menus at hotels

Under the protocol concluded between the Turkish Diabetes Foundation (TÜRKDİAB) and the Association of Turkish Hoteliers (TÜROB), diabetic products will be included in the food and beverage menus or open buffets at TÜROB member hotels.

The Turkish Diabetes Foundation (TÜRKDİAB) and the Association of Turkish Hoteliers (TÜROB) are entering into cooperation on diabetes, one of the chronic diseases. The two organizations launched the 'Diabetes-Friendly Hotel' project on November 14, World Diabetes Day. A protocol concerning the project was also signed between TÜRKDİAB and TÜROB. Under this protocol, diabetic products will be included in the food and beverage menus or open buffets offered at accommodation establishments that are TÜROB members. Awareness on this matter will be raised in the kitchen and service departments of the facilities. The infirmaries within the facilities will keep medicines that diabetics may need.

Within the scope of the project, which the two organizations will carry out jointly, the goal is to expand the number of diabetes-friendly facilities through a voluntary participation certificate program.

The Foundation will provide training to TÜROB members

In her statement on the subject, TÜROB Chairwoman Müberra Eresin noted that access to food products suitable for diabetic patients' nutrition plans is very important, and stated that their aim is for all member hotels to be 'diabetes-friendly.' Eresin expressed that, particularly in the current challenging period, they aim to ensure that diabetic patients, who are among the foremost of the various risk groups, feel more comfortable and secure during their stays at hotels. Stating that TÜRKDİAB will begin training activities on the subject at TÜROB member hotels, and that these trainings will initially be conducted online, Eresin extended her thanks to TÜRKDİAB for its support in implementing the project.

10 percent of the population has diabetes

Turkish Diabetes Foundation President Prof. Dr. Temel Yılmaz, for his part, emphasized that they were greatly pleased to bring the 'Diabetes-Friendly Hotel' project to life in partnership with TÜROB, and that the fact that this initiative was launched on such a meaningful day as World Diabetes Day increased their satisfaction even further. Pointing out that diabetes holds an important place among chronic diseases and that many people are unaware of their illness, Yılmaz stated that, as a foundation, they carry out all their work in this field toward education, awareness, and prevention. Yılmaz said, “The main aim of our project is that diabetic patients also maintain a balanced diet, in particular, at hotels where they stay away from home; that hotels include diabetic products among the food and beverage options they offer; and that the necessary trainings on this matter be provided to hotel employees by us on a regular basis.”

More than 8 million people in Türkiye are receiving diabetes treatment. Worldwide, there are approximately 450 million diabetic patients. In the COVID-19 pandemic, diabetes is among the high-risk disease groups.