The impact of war on people with type 2 diabetes in Ukraine: a survey study

Abstract

The ongoing war in Ukraine heavily affected the healthcare system and the physical and mental health of various vulnerable populations. According to the UN Refugee Agency, as of February 2024, approximately 14.6 million Ukrainian people needed humanitarian assistance.1 One-third of the Ukrainian population was displaced by the war: nearly 6.5 million refugees have been recorded globally, and nearly 3.7 million Ukrainians have been internally displaced, resulting in vulnerable populations that are sensitive to structural injustice and associated health problems.1 Despite significant advances in transforming the healthcare system in Ukraine, there is still inequitable access to healthcare services and medications. The russian invasion in Ukraine has further disrupted medical services, including diabetes care.2 Hospitals and civil objects are destroyed through missile strikes, and healthcare units are forced underground for safety, aggravating the challenges in healthcare availability, access and affordability. These obstacles include the lack of timely intervention, diagnostic procedures and laboratory testing with postponed access to diabetes care, which can cause serious long-term health consequences.