Living with diabetes feels like a balancing act—there are moments of harmony and joy, contrasted by times when a drop in blood sugar can leave us feeling disheartened, burdened by our health condition.

These sentiments are expressed by Anna Glendža (24), a participant in the three-day camp for children and youth called “Blue Heart,” as she reflects on her thirteen-year battle with diabetes.

Glendža shares with “Vijesti” that her journey with diabetes began at age 11, and she has faced her share of prejudice and stigma throughout her elementary and high school years.

“I remember being told by people close to me to keep my insulin pump hidden at school so others wouldn’t notice. There were instances during high school where my friendships were tested because of it. At times, I felt quite isolated. Things are better now, but there’s still room for improvement. Camps like this one can significantly enhance the lives of children with diabetes and help others understand our experiences better,” said Glendža, adding that “with education and collaboration with healthcare professionals and the community, people living with diabetes can find balance and lead fulfilling lives.”

Checking sugar before breakfast

During a visit to the Lovćen-Bečići Public Institution (JU) camp in Ivanovi koriti, “Vijesti” reporters joined Glendža and over 20 other children and youths to have their insulin levels checked before breakfast.

“I was thrilled to participate in the camp this year,” Glendža exclaimed.

The “Blue Heart” camp is a pioneering event in Montenegro, organized by the Association of Endocrinologists alongside the Association of Parents of Children with Diabetes.

The necessity of a camp that connects children living with diabetes was also affirmed by visiting experts from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)—Brin Marks and nurse Pant Minok.

Pediatric endocrinologist Maja Raičević emphasizes that children with diabetes experience “significant fluctuations in blood sugar levels throughout the day and night.”

“It’s crucial for children to be closely monitored. They need food when their blood sugar dips and insulin when it rises. Many children fear low blood sugar, which limits their physical activity. Our goal was to demonstrate that they can participate in physical activities,” said Raičević, adding that promoting physical activity was another main objective of the camp.

According to her, the successful organization of the camp relied heavily on effective collaboration with healthcare professionals.

“We are tremendously grateful to the Clinical Center of Montenegro (KCCG). This project would not have been able to take place without their support and the willingness of numerous doctors and nurses who dedicated their time to look after the children with diabetes around the clock,” she noted.

Marks: Genetics is key

Dr. Brynn Marks and nurse Panta Minok from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia accepted an invitation from Raičević to visit Montenegro.

They concur that it’s crucial to dispel the myth that healthy eating and regular physical activity can prevent diabetes, as it is fundamentally a genetically influenced disease.

“Dr. Raičević visited us in Philadelphia last year, marking the start of our friendship. We couldn’t turn down her invitation to support children with type 1 diabetes,” Marks told “Vijesti.”

In Philadelphia, over 1.5 million individuals reside, including 2,700 children with type 1 diabetes.

“In Montenegro, with a population of just over 600,000, more than 260 children face diabetes,” Marks reminded.

Marks explained that life changes significantly for children upon diagnosis, presenting unique challenges.

“I was diagnosed with diabetes when I was four or five years old. It was a different era when we were using outdated insulin types. I was not happy about it. I missed a year of school after my diagnosis and struggled to open up to my friends about it. Fortunately, my doctor facilitated access to supplies that helped me lead a more fulfilling life. I was able to engage in sports like basketball and long-distance running. I returned to school and my social life, traveling globally to help others with diabetes,” Marks shared.

She also mentioned that she, along with Raičević and Minok, is part of an international diabetes group, ISPAD (International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes).

“We aim to improve the lives of people living with diabetes. The camp is a fantastic opportunity for children to bond and connect. Seeing them play and socialize without worrying about their condition truly warms our hearts. The number of healthcare professionals here is remarkable; it’s inspiring to see so many invested in supporting these children. Stigma can be a major hurdle with diabetes, but it’s essential for children to know they can live well with their condition and that others understand it,” Marks stated.

She also highlighted that over 300,000 children in the U.S. have type 1 diabetes, stating, “it’s encouraging that we have technologies that simplify our lives.”

“The insulin pump I use helps regulate my blood sugar. Having financial resources makes managing diabetes easier. It’s crucial to recognize that diet does not cause diabetes; it is purely genetic,” she remarked.

Minok: Camping in nature, away from screens

Panta Minok, a nurse at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, expressed her commitment to supporting children with diabetes over the last 25 years. She is also involved in an American camp called “Camp Freedom,” aimed at helping children with diabetes lead enjoyable lives, forge friendships, and socialize.

She lauded the “Blue Heart” camp, noting similarities between Montana and the U.S. in this context.

“This year we had ten counselors in training, striving for a ratio of one counselor for every four campers at our camp. In the U.S., we have a multidisciplinary team including doctors, nurses, nutritionists, and social workers working with the children. Ultimately, children are similar worldwide. While our approaches to tackling diabetes may differ, the core experiences remain comparable. We are fortunate to possess the technology that aids in diabetes management,” Minok observed.

She emphasized that various physical activities—like climbing, tennis, and football—are integral to the camp designed for children with diabetes.

“While at camp, the children are equipped with insulin pumps, but we limit their phone usage to encourage engagement with nature. We vigilantly monitor their blood sugar levels and activities throughout the camp duration. My extensive experience with children with diabetes has shown me that camps like this can be tremendously beneficial, and it’s heartening to see professionals like Raičević implement such initiatives in their countries,” noted Minok.

She stressed the importance of finding effective means to manage diabetes in both the short and long term.

“Long-term complications can affect the heart, kidneys, and even the nervous system, underscoring the necessity of timely treatment to prevent changes to lifestyle and life expectancy. Proper education and access to medical equipment are essential for maintaining a good quality of life. Unlike some diseases where diet can be a cure, type 1 diabetes does not fall into this category. The notion that diabetes results from poor diet or inactivity is a dangerous stereotype,” Minok added.

Emphasizing the significance of physical activity

Camp participants also engaged in various physical activities and skills.

As part of the SMART Gym initiative, led by trainer Ivica Šćepanović, the attendees showcased how diabetes is a challenge they can overcome.

Upon awarding medals to all competitors, Šćepanović shared with “Vijesti” that camps like “Blue Heart” convey the message that “children with diabetes can lead normal lives.”

“It’s essential for them to learn how to maintain a normal function throughout their lives. My role was to motivate them through sports and demonstrate that they can embrace athletic activities, regardless of their health challenges. We presented symbolic medals to the children to highlight the value of physical activity… It was evident that the kids performed excellently, displaying remarkable determination and engagement during the camp,” Šćepanović noted, emphasizing that children with diabetes can engage in sports as long as they follow their doctor’s guidelines.

Increasing patient numbers over three decades

Raičević previously informed “Vijesti” that every fifth child diagnosed with diabetes also had at least one associated health issue.

She pointed out that the number of children diagnosed with diabetes has consistently risen over the last three decades, placing Montenegro among countries with high incidences of the disease.

With a population exceeding 600,000, Montenegro has more than 260 children dealing with diabetes.

It’s crucial for children to receive consistent monitoring. They must be provided food if their blood sugar is low, and insulin if it’s high. Many children fear hypoglycemia, which often restricts their physical activity. Our aim was to show them that exercise is very much achievable.

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