Diabetes care in times of armed conflict

Abstract

Recent events in Ukraine emphasise the danger and uncertainty faced by people who are caught in armed conflict. Those living with diabetes face an additional crisis: the complexity of diabetes management during war. This editorial describes the challenges of caring for people with diabetes in this scenario, including the impact on healthcare systems, mass displacement, refocused priorities of wider healthcare, fiscal challenges, and disruption to supply lines, storage of medicines and communications. We consider the effects on people living with diabetes and suggest some strategies for healthcare workers providing care during conflict, including equipping healthcare providers to deal with diabetes emergencies, and adaptation of technological innovations.