Diabetes patients in Gaza face survival battle amid war shortages
Summary
Patients with diabetes in Gaza are struggling to find insulin and other vital medical supplies due to shortages caused by the ongoing war and strict border restrictions. Many, like 20-year-old Hamza al-Ghazali, face serious health risks as they try to manage their condition amid these difficult and dangerous circumstances.Key Facts
- Gaza is experiencing a critical shortage of insulin, glucose meters, and test strips because of war-related restrictions on medical supplies.
- Before the war, insulin pens in Gaza cost around 25 to 35 shekels ($8.5 to $12), but now prices have risen to 75 to 100 shekels ($25 to $34) per pen.
- Patients with Type 1 diabetes need daily insulin and monitoring to control their blood sugar and avoid life-threatening situations.
- Many people with diabetes in Gaza try to stretch their insulin supplies longer than recommended due to shortages.
- Poor storage and long waiting times have caused concerns about the effectiveness of some insulin and medicines available.
- Food shortages caused by the blockade make it even harder for diabetic patients to balance their insulin needs with proper nutrition.
- Hamza al-Ghazali carries a "diabetes bag" with him whenever he evacuates to ensure he has his insulin and testing tools.
- Limited test strips mean patients often must rely on physical symptoms instead of accurate blood sugar measurements.
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