Objective <p>This study examined the barriers and enabling factors affecting diabetes management during wartime displacement, focusing on the interplay between disease management routines psychological wellbeing, healthcare access, and family and social support systems.</p> Research design and methods <p>A qualitative phenomenological approach was employes with 14 individuals with diabetes who were displaced during the iron swords war in Israel. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted via zoom.</p> Results <p>Wartime displacement severely disrupted diabetes management routines, leading to deteriorated self-care practices and symptom exacerbation. Key barriers included reduced healthcare access, food insecurity, psychological distress (anxiety, sleep disturbances, fear), and diminished family and social support networks. Conversely, enabling factors included personal resilience. Medication adherence, nutritional awareness, family and community support, and accessible healthcare services in evacuation locations.</p> Conclusions <p>The findings underscore the necessity of integrated care approaches that combine medical treatment with psychological and social support, emphasizing the importance of resilience, family involvement, and accessible healthcare services in improving outcomes for patients with chronic diseases during emergencies. A key limitation of this qualitative study is its limited generalizability, as the use of small, non-random samples and the reliance on subjective interpretations may restrict the applicability of the findings to broader populations.</p>