Day 1: Cardiovascular Diseases

Discussions on Day 1 of the Summit emphasized the global and regional rise in cardiovascular diseases, particularly in Central Asia. Statistical data confirm that cardiovascular conditions, including myocardial infarction, stroke, and their complications—such as arrhythmias and heart failure—are the primary causes of death.

Speakers addressed both international and national challenges in cardiology:

• Dr. İbrahim Oğuz Karaca presented Turkey’s strategies for managing end-stage heart failure, including criteria for left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation, long-term outcomes, and quality of life.
• Dr. Claire introduced advanced methods of managing arrhythmias using electrophysiology, including implantation of cardioverter-defibrillators and biventricular pacemakers.
• Professor Jaakko Tuomilehto (Finland) provided a global overview of cardiovascular disease prevalence, emphasizing early detection, mortality structures, and the importance of identifying metabolic syndrome, hyperglycemia, and diabetes in patients with cardiovascular conditions.
• Dr. Hafiza Furkatovna Yusupova presented research on the impact of arterial hypertension on cognitive function.
• Dr. Shukhratjon Doniyorov discussed a new marker—mechanical dispersion of the left ventricle—for stratifying the risk in patients with ischemic heart disease post-myocardial infarction.
• Dr. Dina Iosifovna Arnapolskaya addressed the intersection of cardiopathy and HIV, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches.

Day 2: Diabetes Mellitus

Day 2 focused on diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite global efforts, the incidence and complications of diabetes continue to rise, including in Central Asia. The associated treatment costs and consequences—such as kidney failure, amputations, myocardial infarction, and strokes—are a significant cause of disability and mortality.

Summit participants stressed the importance of screening, early diagnosis, timely intervention, and prevention of complications. Leading Uzbek scholars presented data on the epidemiology of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, public health programs, and innovative approaches to prevention and treatment. Topics included:

• Cardiovascular complications in diabetes
• Monitoring tools
• Treatment adherence
• Advances in pharmacotherapy

Professor Jaakko Tuomilehto provided insights into diabetic neuropathy, emphasizing early identification and treatment.

Based on the discussions, the following resolutions were adopted:

1. Diabetes and its complications are steadily increasing worldwide, including in the region, resulting in substantial economic and social costs.
2. Uzbekistan has established a national strategy for reducing diabetes-related consequences, outlined in Presidential decrees and Ministry of Health directives. The implementation of these through innovative diagnostic, treatment, and prevention methods is key to success.
3. Public engagement must be expanded, especially through the involvement of the Endocrinology and Diabetes Associations of Uzbekistan, to raise awareness of risk factors, early symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment. As emphasized during the Summit: diabetes is not a sentence—people can live long and fulfilling lives with it.
4. Early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cardiovascular complications in diabetes—primary causes of disability and death—are of utmost importance.
5. Frontline healthcare providers must be trained in the use and understanding of modern insulins and antidiabetic medications, their mechanisms of action, and comparative effectiveness to ensure optimal treatment and cost-efficiency for both patients and the healthcare system.
6. Monitoring protocols—including glycemic control and complication tracking—are essential. Adoption of modern tools such as novel biomarkers, instrumental diagnostics, continuous glucose monitoring systems, and insulin pumps enhances treatment outcomes while optimizing resources.
7. Nutrition plays a critical role in diabetes management. Public education on caloric content and food composition, aligned with national culinary traditions, is vital for effective diabetes control.
8. Patient adherence is a key factor in treatment success. A student-led initiative presented a digital monitoring system to assess adherence, which can support both patients and healthcare providers in optimizing treatment plans.
9. The development and integration of innovative technologies for early diagnosis, screening, treatment, and complication prevention are ongoing globally. Findings presented during the poster session underscore the need to increase research investment to adapt these technologies for implementation in Central Asia, supporting the realization of national health programs.