The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) is deeply concerned about the situation in Iran and countries across the Middle East following the recent escalation of tensions in the region.
Our thoughts are with all those affected by the current crisis. We are working closely with our Members in the Region and partners to better understand how the situation is affecting people living with diabetes.
Conflicts and humanitarian crises can severely disrupt access to insulin and other medicines, blood glucose monitoring supplies, electricity for refrigeration, and functioning health facilities. For people living with diabetes, who require reliable access to medicines and monitoring supplies, such disruptions can have serious consequences. For people living with type 1 diabetes, who depend on a continuous supply of insulin to survive, interruptions in access to care can rapidly become life-threatening.
The IDF Diabetes Atlas estimates that over 35 million people are living with diabetes in the countries affected, including over 900,000 with type 1 diabetes. In Iran alone, an estimated 5.5 million people are living with diabetes, including 135,000 people with type 1 diabetes. Local estimates suggest the total number may be as high as 8 million.
Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right. This includes access to essential medical information, digital health tools and telemedicine services. Many people living with diabetes rely on connected technologies such as digital monitoring platforms and continuous glucose monitoring systems, to manage their condition. Restrictions that limit access to the internet can therefore directly disrupt diabetes care and self-management.
Considering these risks, urgent action is required to safeguard access to diabetes care during this crisis.
The International Diabetes Federation urges all parties and relevant authorities in affected countries to take immediate steps to:
- Ensure that any sanctions, restrictions and other measures do not impede access to essential healthcare services.
- Guarantee safe and uninterrupted access to insulin, glucose-lowering medicines, blood glucose monitoring supplies and other essential diabetes care.
- Ensure healthcare facilities remain accessible and able to provide diabetes care during the crisis.
- Maintain reliable electricity supply and distribution chains necessary for the storage and delivery of insulin and other medicines.
- Protect access to the internet and digital communication channels that enable telemedicine and remote diabetes management.
Protecting the health and dignity of people living with diabetes and other chronic conditions during times of crisis must remain a priority for all governments and authorities. It is both a humanitarian obligation and a public health imperative.
We will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving situation closely through our Members and contacts on the ground. We will update this statement as needed.
Prof Peter Schwarz
President, International Diabetes Federation
Prof Mohamed Eltom
Chair, IDF Middle-East and North Africa Region
