NON COMMUNICABLE DISEASES
1. Context
The new national estimates for diabetes and other noncommunicable diseases (NCD) shows that 31 million more Indians became diabetic in four years (2019-2021).
2. Non-Communicable Diseases
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic medical conditions that are not caused by infectious agents and cannot be transmitted from person to person. These diseases typically have a long duration and progress slowly over time.
- NCDs are also referred to as chronic diseases and are often characterized by complex and multifactorial causes, including genetic, lifestyle, environmental, and behavioral factors.
- NCDs are a major global health concern, accounting for a significant proportion of morbidity, disability, and premature mortality worldwide.
- They impose a substantial burden on individuals, families, healthcare systems, and economies. Risk factors for NCDs include unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, and environmental factors such as air pollution.
- Prevention and control strategies for non-communicable diseases involve a combination of health promotion, early detection, access to quality healthcare services, lifestyle modifications, and effective management of existing conditions.
- Public health interventions aim to reduce NCD risk factors and promote healthy behaviors to mitigate the impact of these diseases on individuals and populations.
3. Findings of the Study on Non-communicable Diseases in India
- Diabetes and Prediabetes: India has 101 million people with diabetes and 136 million with prediabetes.
- High Blood Pressure: 315 million people in India were found to have high blood pressure.
- Obesity: Generalized Obesity: 254 million individuals in India were classified as obese. Abdominal Obesity: 351 million people in India had abdominal obesity.
- Hypercholesterolemia and High LDL Cholesterol: Hypercholesterolemia: 213 million individuals in India had high cholesterol levels. High LDL Cholesterol: 185 million people had elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
- Study Details: The study was funded by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation coordinated the decade-long nationwide study. The findings of the study will be published in The Lancet Diabetes and Endocrinology journal.
4. Significance of the Study on Non-communicable Diseases in India
- Comprehensive Epidemiological Research: The study is the first comprehensive epidemiological research paper on non-communicable diseases in India. It includes participants from 31 states and some Union Territories, with a large sample size of 1,13,043 individuals.
- Increased Prevalence of NDCs: The study reveals that diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and dyslipidemia are more common in India than previously estimated. It highlights the urgent need for preventive measures and healthcare interventions to address the high prevalence of these diseases.
- Rural Diabetes Explosion: While urban areas currently have higher rates of metabolic NCDs, except for prediabetes, the study warns of an upcoming diabetes explosion in rural India if left unregulated.
- Inter-regional Variations: The study identifies variations in disease prevalence among different states and regions. Goa, Puducherry, and Kerala have the highest diabetes prevalence, while Sikkim has a high prevalence of Prediabetes, and Punjab has the highest hypertension rates.
- Implications for Policy: The findings highlight the need for state-specific policies and interventions to address the rising epidemic of metabolic NCDs in India. Urgent actions are required to stabilize diabetes rates in developed states and control the increasing prevalence in other regions.
- Study Details: The research used a cross-sectional, population-based survey of adults aged above 20 years. The study employed a stratified, multistage sampling design and is titled "Metabolic non-communicable health report of India- the ICMR-INDIAB National Cross-sectional Study.
5. Impact of Rising NCDs in India:
- Increased Burden of Diabetics and Hypertensive Individuals: Over the past four years, India has experienced a significant increase in the number of people affected by diabetes and hypertension. Generalized and abdominal obesity are contributing factors to this growing burden.
- Warning Signs for Future Health Issues: The study serves as an early warning, highlighting that if left uncontrolled, this population is at high risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and life-altering medical conditions, including strokes.
- Dual Problem of Malnutrition and Obesity: Experts explain that India faces a dual problem of malnutrition and obesity. Although surplus food is available, factors such as exposure to fast food, lack of sleep, inadequate exercise, and increased stress contribute to the perfect environment for NCDs to thrive.
6. Addressing the Rising NCDs
- The solution to combating NCDs lies in adopting a wellness approach and embracing a lifestyle that includes a healthy diet and regular exercise.
- The Health Ministry recognizes four major NCDs Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes.
- These diseases share common behavioral risk factors, including unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and tobacco and alcohol use.
- The Health Ministry has implemented Programs to strengthen health infrastructure and develop human resources.
- Health-promotion initiatives and awareness campaigns focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and ensuring appropriate referrals for NCDs.
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For Prelims: Non-Communicable Diseases, Diabetes, and Prediabetes, Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and ICMR.
For Mains: 1. Explain the significance of the study on metabolic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India and their implications for public health policies. (250 Words).
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Source: The Hindu
