Diabetes from the perspective of sociology of health: The case of Van province

From a biological perspective, it's understandable that health and illness are generally considered the domain of health sciences. However, with health and illness being viewed as social problems, the scope of study has expanded beyond health sciences to encompass the social sciences in general and sociology in particular. Throughout human history, certain diseases have been prevalent depending on the conditions of the era. Factors such as urbanization, changes in social structure, social inequalities, and shifts in consumer culture, which are consequences of today's world, play a role in the increase in diabetes. The aim of this study is not to examine the biological aspects of diabetes, but rather its place within the social structure; its impact on individuals' daily life practices, family and social life; the difficulties experienced by patients, the shortcomings and expectations associated with this disease. Furthermore, revealing the impact of the disease on a city, particularly its distribution in the central districts of Van province, is among the study's objectives. A mixed methodology encompassing both qualitative and quantitative research was employed in the study. In the quantitative data collection process, individuals who applied to the Van Training and Research Hospital of the Health Sciences University between January 1, 2024, and January 1, 2025, representing the research population, were considered the sample group and their data were used. In the qualitative data collection process, a non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to form a sample of 25 individuals representing the research population, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. According to the results of the study, it is understood that there are gender differences in regular follow-up, treatment management preference, and regular exercise; the patient image is shaped as incomplete, having a low quality of life, not vigorous, tested, and restricted; diabetes has effects on the individual's family and social life; the level of awareness about diabetes in the social structure is lacking; and there is a tendency towards alternative health practices in disease management.