World Diabetes Day: How Sweet Is Too Sweet?

World Diabetes Day is intended is an annual reminder of the importance of screening and management of diabetes - one of the most common chronic diseases in Israel. In most cases, the complications can be prevented through early diagnosis and proper treatment. That is exactly why Hillel Yaffe Medical Center will set up free blood sugar screening stations on November 18, 2025, open to both the general public and medical center staff. These screenings are the first step toward diagnosis and management.

The nursing staff of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, together with diabetes coordinators from the various departments and the hospital's Diet and Nutrition Unit, will be on hand to explain risk factors, offer initial counseling, and help raise awareness about the importance of disease management and routine screenings.

Dr. Irit Hochberg, Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit Director, explained that lack of awareness is one of the biggest challenges, "Many people have no idea that they are in a risk group or already have diabetes. We treat many young people dealing with severe complications that could have been prevented - strokes, heart attacks, diabetic ketoacidosis and even amputations. These cases are usually the result of years of neglect - avoiding medical follow-up, skipping medications, unbalanced nutrition or giving up physical activity."

Diabetes screening station at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center

Moran Antebi, dietitian in the Endocrinology and Diabetes Unit, emphasizes the importance of nutrition in diabetes prevention and treatment, "People don't understand how much sugar is hidden in everyday foods - snacks, soft drinks, sauces and even 'healthy' baked goods."

This lack of awareness contributes to a steady increase in the number of diabetes cases, something clearly seen in the field. Hillel Yaffe treats thousands of patients with diabetes each year - some of them young people under 40, who come in after complications caused by prolonged poor glycemic control. The staff emphasizes that most of this damage can be prevented through early diagnosis, medical follow-up, and consistent treatment.

Galit Haran, Diabetes Coordinator Nurse at Hillel Yaffe, also stresses that alongside medication, patients' personal responsibility is the key to successful treatment. "There are many success stories that give us satisfaction in knowing we've brought real improvement to patients' lives. For example, recently a man in his 40s came to the clinic, someone I had met a year ago when he was hospitalized after a heart attack. When we first met, he had extremely high blood sugar levels, and following the hospitalization and the education I provided, he decided to take full responsibility - changed his diet, started walking 30 minutes every day, and was diligent about medications and follow-up. Within a few months, we saw dramatic improvement in his values and quality of life. He continues to maintain these habits and feels much better. This proves just how much powerful awareness and personal choice can be."

Diabetes is not a foregone conclusion," Dr. Hochberg concludes. "With personal responsibility, proper treatment and a healthy lifestyle, it's possible to live a full and good life and change the course of the disease."

The diabetes screening stations at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center will operate on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the entrance to Inpatient Building B and in the commercial center in Inpatient Building A. Screenings are free of charge.