Specifics of teaching the topic “Ocular changes in diabetes mellitus: classification, etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors. Algorithm for early diagnosis” under wartime conditions

• Published in: Archive of Ukrainian Ophthalmology Vol. 13; no. 1; pp. 63 - 67
• Main Authors: Putiienko, O.O., Panchenko, I.O., Mogilevskyy, S.Yu, Zhupan, B.B., Denysiuk, O.Yu, Gulida, A.O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English; Ukrainian
• Published: 01.06.2025
• ISSN: 2309-8147; 2311-2999; 2311-2999
• DOI: 10.22141/2309-8147.13.1.2025.405

Background. Unfortunately, on February 24, 2022, a full-scale invasion of Ukraine by the aggressor country took place. This event significantly changed all the realities of modern life, even affected the teaching of special disciplines in postgraduate education institutions. The traditional approach to teaching the topic “Ocular changes in diabetes mellitus: classification, etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors. Algorithm for early diagnosis” requires adaptation to modern realities, in particular the integration of the latest technologies, such as telemedicine and mobile applications for monitoring the state of patients. The purpose was to develop recommendations for teaching the topic “Ocular changes in diabetes mellitus: classification, etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors. Algorithm for early diagnosis” in wartime conditions. Material and methods. Data from relevant Internet resources and modern literature on the problem under study were analyzed, as well as personal experience and developments in teaching by employees of the Department of Ophthalmology of the Shupyk National Healthcare University of Ukraine. Results. Diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma and cataract are the main ophthalmic complications that significantly worsen the quality of life of patients with diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2, and in some cases lead to complete vision loss. At the same time, in the early stages, these complications can be almost asymptomatic, which makes their detection and treatment even more difficult. It is necessary to draw the attention of interns and trainee doctors to the fact that it is very important for patients with diabetes to constantly visit a doctor who will monitor the course of the disease and help control glucose levels to prevent complications. In our opinion, the greatest burden in teaching is carried by online learning and the creation of new, modern printed or online guidelines. Young specialists should pay attention to the use of accessible methods for diagnosis and treatment of patients with diabetic and diabetes mellitus, because from a socio-economic and medical point of view, the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus and its complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, implies an economic burden not only on the state, but also on the patient themselves and their family. Conclusions. Particular attention should be paid to clear regulation of the work of educational institutions under armed conflict, as well as a review of approaches to the organization of the educational process and practical training of students, interns and trainee doctors, which will ensure the continuity and quality of education even in wartime. Teaching the topic “Ocular changes in diabetes mellitus: classification, etiology, pathogenesis, risk factors. Algorithm for early diagnosis” remains relevant during war. Modern innovative teaching methods cannot always be used in the system of postgraduate education of doctors in wartime. The main direction of improving teaching is online learning, the use of artificial intelligence, the development of a combination of different forms of education and the creation of printed and online modern methodological literature.