Keeping fit in Kokand

In December 2004 people with diabetes in Kokand, Uzbekistan, could take further steps towards a healthier lifestyle and learn how to keep their body fit reducing complications.

In the city of Kokand, in the eastern part of Uzbekistan, a fitness center located at the City Hospital No.1 opened for people with diabetes.

The project was supported by the World Diabetes Foundation with an amount of 5,900 US dollars, raised at a fundraising event, during a global finance meeting in the pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk engaged in diabetes care.

Patients enjoying the newly opened fitness center in Kokand, Uzbekistan.

Introducing healthy habits

The aim is to improve the health of the diabetic community of the Kokand area by providing the necessary fitness facilities and developing an exercise program for patients. The project will also raise awareness of disease prevention through exercise and healthy habits.

The project director was Nadira Salyamova from the Association of Endocrinologists, which provided all the necessary supplies for the facility. The City Hospital No.1 provided the premises; “The Timber Company” donated furniture, while renovation and equipment was provided by the US Peace Corps.

Hopes for improved health and fewer complications

During a round table meeting in December 2004 the results of the project were discussed.
 “An important component of successful self care of diabetes is physical exercise” says M. Abidzhanova, Director of the Association of Endocrinologists, who trains people with diabetes in self care.

The attitude among people with diabetes in Uzbekistan has long been passive, due to a tradition of the state taking care of the treatment of the their condition. It is the hope that the fitness centre and raised awareness will help them take on the responsibility of caring for them selves.

M. Abidzhanova reported that the diabetes patients were trained in the use of the exercise facility. It is her feeling that this will provide the patients with improved health and reduced need for treatment. Furthermore exercise will reduce complications from diabetes and a reduce the risk of being disabled.

Additionally she could disclose that the project has created an interest in opening exercise facilities in other regions.

The succes of this project has lead to a larger project in Uzbekistan funded by the World Diabetes Foundation.

Read about the project "Regional diabetes information centres".