Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Central Asian Diabetes Forum "Diabetes: from monitoring to management", dedicated to the discussion of global diabetes problems and the possibilities of their solution, was held in Tashkent. 

The event was organized by the National Association of Endocrinologists of Uzbekistan with the support of Sanofi in Uzbekistan. The Forum was attended by the Ministries of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, leading experts from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, as well as Poland, Albania and Japan.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex problem not only of a medical but also of a social nature that is relevant all over the world. Today, more than 463 million people live with diabetes worldwide, and one in two of them is undiagnosed. The World Health Organization has declared diabetes mellitus an epidemic of the 21st century, in addition, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with diabetes mellitus have become one of the most vulnerable categories of patients, which requires scientists and doctors to consolidate efforts for a deeper study of diabetes, development and implementation of new technologies. its treatment and prevention.

For patients with diabetes mellitus in Central Asian countries, the most significant difficulties are the low level of diagnosis and problems with access to innovative therapy. However, there is a lack of reliable information on the prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of diabetes.

In this regard, the past event became an important event in the field of health care in Central Asian countries, and in particular for Uzbekistan, and its main goals are to develop a joint approach in the treatment and diagnosis of the disease that meets modern requirements, as well as the exchange of experience between leading experts and specialists from different countries and the creation of a unified diabetic community that will help patients and doctors achieve treatment goals and reduce the burden on the budget of the region’s health systems.

In his welcoming speech to the forum delegates, Deputy Minister of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Ulugbek Sabirov noted: “It is known that timely diagnosis, adequate treatment of endocrine diseases and prevention will reduce the consequences of complications in patients and state. Unfortunately, diabetes mellitus is a social problem that includes such risk factors as unhealthy diet, inactive lifestyle, stress, obesity (half of the adult population of Uzbekistan (16-54 years old) are overweight) and others. And our task is not only to treat the disease, but also to prevent it. A huge amount of work has been done in relation to diabetes mellitus in Uzbekistan by the ministry and the endocrinological service. However, we will not be satisfied with what has already been achieved, there is still a lot of joint work to be done”.

Aurelia Bouchez, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to the Republic of Uzbekistan said: “I am sincerely glad that Uzbekistan has decided to expand its national program to improve endocrinological care for the next 5 years, thereby paying great attention to patients with diabetes. I am convinced that such a Forum, which brings together leading specialists and experts from many countries, will help improve the treatment and prevention of this disease. I believe we will witness a ‘new approach’ to treating patients with diabetes that meets their needs, strengthens adherence and improves their quality of life.”

“Diabetes mellitus is a problem not only of a medical, but also of a social nature, for the solution of which it is necessary to raise awareness of the population about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, moderate physical activity and regular preventive examinations. Equally important is the provision of patients with the necessary drugs for therapy and the provision of opportunities for the diagnosis of the disease. It is really important to discuss the topic of diabetes mellitus and all its aspects with representatives of different organizations and different countries. By combining efforts, we will be able to improve conditions for both patients and the medical community in Central Asia,” said Feruza Khaydarova, acting director of the RSNPMC Endocrinology, chief physician, doctor of medical sciences, professor and doctor of the highest category.

“It is a great honor for Sanofi to support the annual Central Asian Diabetes Forum, organized by the National Association of Endocrinologists of Uzbekistan. As a socially responsible company and a market leader in innovative medicines, we welcome initiatives that aim to improve the quality of life for people with diabetes and implement disease management programs to improve treatment outcomes. For us, innovations are not only medicines, but also solutions aimed at providing patients with access to effective and modern therapy,” comments Vitaly Bystryukov, head of the Foundation Eurasia business unit.

Within the framework of the Forum, 3 sessions were held, where tasks related to improving the quality of life of people with diabetes mellitus, as well as increasing the efficiency of medical care in the fight against this disease were discussed. As a result of the Forum, a resolution was signed defining further steps to improve the situation with diabetes in Central Asia, including the need to adopt Consensus on:

1) treating type 2 diabetes;

2) sulfonylurea preparations;

3) treatment of COVID-19 in patients with diabetes mellitus.

4) determination of the economic parameters of the disease based on calculations of the cost of complications and their prevention in the case of diabetes compensation with effective insulin therapy.