The number of diabetes patients is increasing alarmingly in Syria, with over 200,000 patients in the country, each facing numerous challenges.

This massive number includes patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, among whom approximately 5,000 individuals try to hide their symptoms due to the lingering negative stigma associated with the disease.

The significant rise in diabetes cases can be attributed to the difficult economic and psychological conditions that many people in Syria are experiencing. Dr. Mohammed Samir Barakat, a member of the Syrian Diabetes Association, indicates that psychological stress is a major factor in the development of diabetes, as many patients have emerged from the horrors of war with difficult mental conditions, resulting from the loss of loved ones and the psychological trauma they have endured.

The challenges of the disease are further exacerbated by the deterioration of healthcare in the country. There used to be around 200 clinics for diabetes treatment in Syria, but due to the destruction caused by the war, their number has been cut in half. These clinics have been subject to theft and destruction, making it more difficult to provide healthcare services. Currently, there are only about 100 clinics that offer free medications to patients, including insulin and hypoglycemic agents.

Despite the significant challenges faced by diabetes patients in Syria, continuous awareness and attention to dietary habits and exercise remain crucial for disease management. Patients are not necessarily at a high risk of death, as the mortality rate remains very low, less than 15%. However, neglecting their own health puts them at a significantly higher risk of death.