In Ukraine, diabetes mellitus is becoming one of the most acute medical problems of our time. War, stress, the destruction of medical infrastructure, and interruptions in the supply of medicines have significantly worsened a situation that was already difficult. Experts predict that the number of people with diabetes in the country could increase by a quarter, which poses new challenges for the state and society — from ensuring access to treatment to creating a comprehensive prevention policy.
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The impact of war on the development of diabetes
Russia’s armed aggression has created unprecedented challenges for the healthcare system. People with chronic diseases, including diabetes, often lack stable access to insulin, consumables, and medical supervision. In the first months of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, there was an acute shortage of medicines, and logistics chains were disrupted. Today, the situation has partially stabilised, but risks remain — the destruction of warehouses and medical facilities continues to threaten the supply of medicines. Experts say that if all people with type 1 diabetes could be diagnosed in time, 668,000 lives could be saved by 2040. And if there were unhindered access to insulin and modern self-monitoring tools worldwide, up to 2 million lives could be saved by 2040.
Patients are forced to stockpile drugs themselves, exchange them through communities, and sometimes reduce doses or switch to other types of insulin. Such forced decisions pose a serious threat to health and require a government response.
Legislative framework and international context
The Ukrainian Diabetes Federation is actively involved in global initiatives to combat diabetes. Representatives of Ukraine participate in parliamentary forums, including the Global Network of Parliamentarians Against Diabetes, which works to implement best legislative practices around the world. This year, a major forum will be held in Malta, where Ukrainian parliamentarians will present their national experience.
International documents, including European Parliament resolutions, emphasise the need for prevention, early diagnosis and affordable treatment for every patient. However, Ukraine still lacks systematic solutions. In 2021, the Accounting Chamber recorded the inefficient use of more than 1.7 billion hryvnias allocated to the fight against diabetes, which confirms the need for deeper reform of financing mechanisms.
The human dimension: living with diabetes during wartime
According to patients, managing diabetes has become significantly more difficult today. Constant stress, psychological pressure, power outages, and internet disruptions complicate even basic self-management practices. Telemedicine, which could partially solve the problem, works unevenly due to security conditions.
At the same time, patients remain the central link in the system. They actively form communities, share resources, lobby for legislative changes, and strive for unity in the diabetes movement in Ukraine. Experts emphasise that the combined efforts of patients, doctors, and the state are a necessary condition for effectively combating the disease.
Prospects: European integration and digital solutions
Ukraine is seeking to harmonise its legislation with EU standards in the field of diabetes. The project ‘Analysis of the compliance of Ukrainian and EU legislation on diabetes’, implemented by the Ukrainian Diabetes Federation with the support of APRAT, aims to identify gaps and ways to align with European standards.
At the same time, IT solutions for glucose monitoring and treatment management are being developed. However, the cost of the devices remains a barrier for most patients. Without state support and a compensation system, technological progress will not become widespread.
Diabetes in Ukraine is not only a medical issue, but also a social one. In the context of war, it becomes an indicator of the maturity of the healthcare system and the effectiveness of interaction between citizens and the state. Uniting the diabetic community, support at the parliamentary level, and the introduction of modern technologies can change the situation and save thousands of lives.
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