Can individuals with type 2 diabetes be drafted for military service?

Despite the overall mobilization in Ukraine, there are categories of citizens who are exempt from conscription due to health conditions. Legislation regulates the list of diseases that may serve as grounds for a deferral from military service.

Specifically, this concerns those liable for military service who have serious diseases of the endocrine system or metabolic disorders. According to the order of the Ministry of Defense №262 dated April 27, 2024, men with diseases causing significant functional impairments of the body are not drafted into the army:

• thyroid diseases – serious dysfunctions of the thyroid gland may serve as grounds for deferral;
• diabetes of all types – individuals with diabetes that affects their overall health are exempt from conscription.

Furthermore, the following citizens are also exempt from mobilization:

• dysfunction of other endocrine glands — any serious diseases affecting other endocrine organs;
• metabolic disorders – this particularly concerns all types of obesity accompanied by significant functional impairments.

It is important to note that for exemption from mobilization, the conscript must undergo a medical examination by the military medical commission (VVK). The decision on unfitness for military service is based on the conclusions of medical specialists evaluating the severity of the illness and its impact on overall health.

We remind you that men with serious kidney disorders and urinary system issues are not mobilized. The following diseases may serve as grounds for exemption from conscription:

• kidney failure of stages IV-V due to glomerular and tubulointerstitial kidney diseases – nephrotic syndrome, chronic interstitial nephritis, acute pyelitis, pyelonephritis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, chronic primary pyelonephritis, nephropathies;
• diseases of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra with significant functional impairments – obstructive uropathy, hydronephrosis, pyonephrosis, urolithiasis (kidney stones), kidney cyst, cystitis, urethritis, urethral stricture, and others;
• diseases of the male reproductive organs with significant functional impairments – hyperplasia, adenoma, and myoma of the prostate, inflammatory and other diseases of the male reproductive organs.

It is worth noting that the absence of one kidney without serious functional impairments will not prevent a man from being drafted into military service.

Earlier, "Telegraph" reported on whether men with sick joints or bones are drafted into military service. Medical conclusions must be documented, as they are the basis for the decision on unfitness for service.