Non-Communicable Diseases: The Silent Threat We Can't Ignore

What are NCDs and Why are they important?

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, respiratory disorders, etc that are not transmitted from person to person. They develop over time and are often linked to lifestyle choices such as tobacco use, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption. Environmental factors such as pollution and exposure to occupational hazards, also contribute to the development of these diseases.

Factsheets:

• 41 million deaths occur each year due to NCDs, which account for 74% of all deaths globally.
• In India, NCDs contribute to approximately 60% of all deaths.
• 1 in 4 Indians is at risk of dying from an NCD before the age of 70.

NCDs can be categorised into several major types:

• Diabetes: This occurs when blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal. It results either from the pancreas not producing enough insulin or from the body's inability to effectively use the insulin it produces.
• Hypertension (High blood pressure): Hypertension is a condition where the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is consistently too high. When blood pressure remains elevated over time, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Hypertension often has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it is known as the "silent killer."
• Thyroid Disorders: These are conditions that affect the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism through hormone production. The two main types are hypothyroidism, where the thyroid produces too little hormone, causing fatigue and weight gain, and hyperthyroidism, where it produces too much, leading to weight loss and rapid heartbeat.
• Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): These refer to a group of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. They include conditions such as heart disease and other circulatory conditions.
• Cancers: These are a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. They can develop in virtually any organ or tissue, leading to various types of cancer such as the lungs, breast, and liver.
• Chronic Respiratory Diseases (CRDs): A group of long-term conditions that affect the lungs and airways, leading to breathing difficulties. These include conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and damaged air sacs.
• Osteoporosis: A condition that weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures. It is especially common in postmenopausal women due to the decline in estrogen.
• Other Common NCDs: These include Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Chronic Pain Conditions like Arthritis.

Prevention strategies suggested by the World Health Organization:

• Eat Healthy Foods: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet while cutting down on processed foods, sugar, and salt to maintain a balanced diet.
• Stay Active: Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week to strengthen your bones and muscles.
• Avoid or Quit Smoking and Drinking: These habits greatly improve your overall health and boost your immune system.
• Make Sleep a Priority: Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night to keep your body healthy and refresh your mind.
• Get Regular Health Check-Ups: Regular screenings can help catch diseases early, making them easier to treat and preventing serious complications.

Why monitoring matters:

Monitoring is key to managing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Regular health check-ups and self-monitoring of blood sugar, blood pressure, weight and cholesterol help detect early signs of worsening health.

How to monitor NCDs:

• Visit your doctor regularly for health screenings.
• Use home devices like glucometers and BP monitors.
• Follow your doctor’s advice for personalized care.

Uncontrolled NCDs, like diabetes and hypertension, silently damage your organs, leading to complications such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure or even cancer. Without proper management, these diseases can progress to a point where treatment becomes difficult, expensive, or even too late to make a difference. It can lead to other comorbidities such as heart and stroke and interfere with the treatment of other illnesses.