“Across Generations, Living with Diabetes, Together” Roundtable in Peja
On 26 August 2025 patients with diabetes and health professionals from Peja met in a “human library-style” roundtable “Across Generations: Living with Diabetes, Together” to share experiences and co-create solutions for better care.
The event brought together 10 patients, five aged over 65 and five aged between 18 and 35, alongside representatives of local health institutions. Through storytelling, patients described their journeys, daily challenges, and hopes, offering testimonies of resilience.
“Diabetes is our common language,” participants agreed, as patients and professionals explored approaches and shared information to improve education and access to services.
The special guest of the event Lisa Mehmeti, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at a very early age and now founder of the advocacy organization Tip1Omel, highlighted the need for joint advocacy: “Only together can we ensure institutional support and break the stigma that still surrounds diabetes.”
Health professionals emphasized early diagnosis, patient self-management, and the role of good collaboration between patients and healthcare providers, while patients shared the emotional, physical, and financial burdens they carry.
IHS Project underlined that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen dialogue between patients, caregivers, and institutions ensuring that solutions are shaped not only for patients, but with them.