The Growing Burden of Metabolic Diseases in India

Why in the News ?

Recent analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study revealed that India and China have the highest burden of metabolic diseases in the Asia-Pacific region. In India, in particular, the incidence of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cholesterol-related diseases is rapidly increasing, posing a serious public health challenge.

What are metabolic diseases ?

• Metabolic diseases are a group of disorders that affect the body's metabolism.
• Metabolism is the process by which the body converts food into energy, stores energy, and utilizes it.
• When this process becomes imbalanced, numerous health problems arise.

Major Metabolic Diseases

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Obesity or high body mass index (BMI)
• High LDL cholesterol
• Steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD / Fatty Liver)
• These diseases are primarily associated with unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, stressful lifestyles, and increasing urbanization.
• They are classified as a major category of non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Key findings of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD)

• This study analyzed data from 1990 to 2023 and projected the potential situation by 2030. The burden of disease was assessed based on two key indicators:
• Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs)
  • This is an indicator measuring the total impact of disease, including:
  • Years lost due to premature death
  • Years lived with disease or disability
• Mortality Rate
  • The total number of deaths caused by a particular disease.
  • The study identified five major risk factors contributing to the burden of disease:
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • High systolic blood pressure
    • High body mass index (BMI)
    • High LDL cholesterol
    • Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
• These findings clearly indicate that metabolic disorders have become a rapidly growing health problem in the Asia-Pacific region.

Burden of metabolic diseases in India

• According to the study, India has the highest overall burden of metabolic diseases in the Asia-Pacific region.

Key Statistics for 2023

• Approximately 21 million DALYs associated with type 2 diabetes
• Approximately 5.8 lakh deaths due to diabetes
• Approximately 38 million DALYs due to high systolic blood pressure
• Approximately 1.57 lakh deaths due to hypertension
• In 2023, India surpassed China to become the country with the highest burden of metabolic diseases in the Asia-Pacific region, based on DALYs.
• However, India still ranks second after China in the incidence of high BMI, LDL cholesterol, and fatty liver disease.

Rising Risk Factors in India

• The study identified several factors that are contributing to the rise in metabolic diseases in India.
  • Major Risk Factors
  • Rapid increase in obesity and high BMI
  • High LDL cholesterol
  • Fatty Liver Disease (MASLD)
  • Main Reasons Behind This
  • Rapid urbanization
  • Sedentary lifestyle (low physical activity)
  • High consumption of ultra-processed foods
  • Excessive use of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats
• All these factors are contributing to the ever-increasing burden of metabolic diseases in India.

Impact on Public Health

• The impact of metabolic diseases is not limited to health; it also impacts the country's economic and social systems.
• If current trends continue, the number of patients in hospitals will increase,
• Long-term treatment costs will increase,
• Workforce productivity will decrease,
• Additional pressure will be placed on the health system
• The study also warns that if effective measures are not taken, these risk factors are likely to increase further by 2030.

Prevention and Policy Measures

Experts believe that an integrated public health strategy is essential to address metabolic diseases in India.

1. Promoting Healthy Diets
   • Controlling the consumption of ultra-processed foods and reducing the amount of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in food.
2. Nutrition Labeling
   • Clear nutrition labeling on food packages can help consumers make informed choices.
3. Promoting Active Lifestyles
   • In cities, such systems as:
   • Walking paths
   • Cycle tracks
   • Public exercise facilities
   • should be developed.
4. Screening and Early Detection
   • Regular screening and timely detection of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and fatty liver are essential to make part of the primary health system.

Conclusion

Metabolic diseases are rapidly becoming a growing health challenge in India. Problems like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity not only put pressure on the health system but also impact the country's economic productivity. Therefore, the increasing burden of these diseases can be controlled only through healthy lifestyle, awareness, regular checkups and effective policy interventions.