Metabolic Diseases Burden in India – Explained

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• A recent analysis of the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) Study 1990-2023 has revealed that India and China have the highest metabolic disease burdens in the Asia-Pacific region. 

Understanding Metabolic Diseases

• Metabolic diseases refer to a group of disorders that disrupt the body’s normal metabolic processes, particularly the way energy from food is broken down, stored, and utilised. 
• Common metabolic diseases include Type 2 diabetes mellitus, High blood pressure (hypertension), Obesity or high body mass index (BMI), High LDL cholesterol and Metabolically-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) 
• These conditions are closely linked to lifestyle factors such as unhealthy diets, sedentary behaviour, and increasing urbanisation. 
• They are also major contributors to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for a significant proportion of deaths globally.

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Findings of the Global Burden of Disease Study

• The study analysed data for the period 1990-2023, with projections up to 2030 for the Asia-Pacific region. 
• Researchers assessed the burden of metabolic diseases using two key indicators:
  • Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) – a measure of overall disease burden combining years lost due to premature death and years lived with disability.
  • Mortality rates – the number of deaths caused by specific diseases.
• The study identified five major metabolic risk factors contributing to disease burden:
  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • High systolic blood pressure
  • High BMI
  • High LDL cholesterol
  • Metabolically-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) 
• The findings indicate that metabolic disorders have become one of the most serious health challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

India’s Metabolic Disease Burden

• According to the study, India has one of the highest absolute metabolic disease burdens in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2023, India recorded:
  • Approximately 21 million DALYs linked to type 2 diabetes
  • Around 5.8 lakh deaths due to diabetes 
• High systolic blood pressure was another major contributor to disease burden, accounting for nearly 3.8 crore DALYs and around 15.7 lakh deaths in the country. 
• These numbers indicate that hypertension and diabetes remain among the leading health challenges facing India.
• In terms of DALYs, India overtook China in 2023 to become the country with the highest metabolic disease burden in the Asia-Pacific region. 
• However, under other parameters such as high BMI, LDL cholesterol, and MASLD, India still ranks second after China.

Rising Risk Factors in India

• The study highlights several metabolic risk factors that are increasing steadily in India.
• One of the most significant trends is the rising prevalence of obesity and high BMI, which is growing at an annual rate of about 2.7-2.9%. 
• High LDL cholesterol levels and fatty liver disease (MASLD) are also becoming increasingly common.
• These trends are largely driven by:
  • Rapid urbanisation
  • Sedentary lifestyles
  • Increasing consumption of ultra-processed foods
  • High intake of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats
• Together, these factors are contributing to the growing burden of metabolic diseases in India.

Implications for Public Health

• Metabolic diseases have far-reaching consequences for public health and economic productivity.
• If current trends continue, these diseases could place enormous pressure on healthcare systems due to Increased hospitalisation, Long-term treatment costs and Reduced workforce productivity
• The study also warns that most metabolic risk factors are expected to continue rising until 2030, unless strong preventive measures are adopted. 
• Thus, tackling metabolic diseases has become a major priority for health policymakers.

Prevention and Policy Measures

• Experts emphasise that an integrated public health approach is needed to address the rising metabolic disease burden in India.
• Key recommended strategies include:
  • Promoting healthier diets: Governments should regulate ultra-processed foods and reduce excessive sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in commonly consumed foods. 
  • Nutrition labelling: Clear front-of-pack nutrition labels can help consumers make informed dietary choices.
  • Urban design and physical activity: Cities should be redesigned to encourage active lifestyles through safe walking spaces, cycling tracks, and public exercise facilities. 
  • Screening and early detection: Large-scale screening for diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and fatty liver disease should be integrated into primary healthcare systems.
• India has already initiated programmes through the Union Health Ministry and State governments, but experts emphasise the need for stronger and more uniform implementation across the country.

Source: TH