Improving diabetes type 1 care in children and adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The hospital partners of Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf (HHU) and the Paediatric University Hospital Sarajevo are jointly pursuing the goal of improving the care of children and adolescents with type I diabetes in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Background:

Due to long-term consequences, diabetes can be fatal, lead to blindness or amputation of limbs. Therefore, it is important to reduce the risk of long-term diabetic complications. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the number of younger children with type 1 diabetes is increasing rapidly. It is a challenge to instruct young patients, especially during puberty, to have regular blood glucose checks, insulin administration and a specific diet.

Activities:

- Further training for medical health staff in Sarajevo

- Training of an ophthalmologist as a lecturer in diabetes centres in Bosnia-Herzegovina

- Diabetes training for the self-help group "Sweet Smiles" and instruction in the use of a diabetes app

- Internship at the University Hospital and the Digital Health Lab in Düsseldorf

- Establishment of a digital diabetes network to connect those affected and professionals with each other

Impact:

The competences of the diabetes health staff at the Paediatric University Hospital Sarajevo are expanding. Digital care for patients with type 1 diabetes is being established.