Diabetes management and health challenges discussed in Montenegro and Croatia

At the 15th Diabetes Camp in Bar, focusing on “Diabetes and Nephropathy,” patients shared experiences regarding the management of chronic diabetes. Ana Peruđini, who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 14, shared her journey through complications that affected her vision and kidneys, eventually leading to dialysis in Podgorica. Following a pancreas transplant, she has lived without diabetes for nearly 13 years.

In Croatia, diabetes remains a significant public health challenge, with the Croatian Institute of Public Health registering 406,341 cases in 2024. Experts note that the actual number may exceed 500,000. Diabetes is currently the fourth leading cause of death in Croatia. Medical professionals are working to dispel common myths, such as the idea that sugar consumption is the sole cause of the disease or that individuals with diabetes should avoid physical activity. While high sugar intake contributes to obesity—a risk factor for type 2 diabetes—the disease is complex, involving immune system responses in type 1 and insulin resistance in type 2.