The Management of Diabetes in Conflict Settings: Focus on the Syrian Crisis

Abstract

Humanitarian crises represent a major global health challenge as record numbers of people are being displaced worldwide. The Syrian crisis has resulted in >4 million refugees and 6 million people who are internally displaced within Syria. In 2017, there were 705,700 reported cases of adult diabetes in Syria. During periods of conflict, people with diabetes face numerous challenges, including food insecurity, inadequate access to medications and testing supplies, and a shortage of providers with expertise in diabetes care. Access to insulin represents a major challenge during a crisis, especially for individuals with type 1 diabetes, for whom the interruption of insulin constitutes a medical emergency. In the short term (days to weeks) during a crisis, it is vital to 1) prioritize insulin for patients with type 1 diabetes, 2) ensure continuous access to essential diabetes medications, and 3) provide appropriate diabetes education for patients, with a focus on hypoglycemia and sick-day guidelines. In the long term (weeks to months) during a crisis, it is important to 1) provide access to quality diabetes care and medications, 2) train local and international health care providers on diabetes care, and 3) develop clinical guidelines for diabetes management during humanitarian crises. It is imperative that we work across all sectors to promote the health of people with diabetes during humanitarian response.

FIGURE 1.

Baseline A1C results for patients presenting to nine free diabetes clinics in Lebanon from 2016 to 2018.

FIGURE 2.

Treatment modalities for patients presenting to nine free diabetes clinics in Lebanon from 2016 to 2018.