Prevalence of CVD and Diabetes in India

Summary

In this episode of 4D 2.0, Dr. Anil M discusses the twin epidemic of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in India, highlighting the prevalence and risk factors. He emphasizes the importance of early intervention through lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, and the benefits of combination therapies for better management. The discussion underscores the significant economic impact of these diseases on the Indian population, stressing the need for a return to traditional practices like yoga and a more active lifestyle to curb the epidemic.

Takeaways

• 📊 India faces a twin epidemic of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, with a significant impact on mortality and disability.
• 👨‍⚕️ Dr. Anil M, a senior consultant in Internal Medicine, discusses the prevalence and risk factors of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in India.
• 📈 The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in India is 21% for diabetics and 11% for non-diabetics, with rural areas having a lower prevalence compared to urban areas.
• 💹 Economically, India is projected to suffer losses of around $2.1 trillion between 2012 and 2030 due to these diseases, highlighting the urgency of addressing the issue.
• 🍽️ Lifestyle changes, including dietary habits and physical activity, are crucial in preventing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• 🏃‍♂️ Urbanization and sedentary lifestyles have contributed to the increased prevalence of these diseases, with a shift towards junk food and less physical activity.
• 💊 Combination therapies, such as SGLT2 inhibitors with DPP4 inhibitors, are recommended for better management of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
• 🌾 Dr. Anil emphasizes the importance of early intervention, suggesting that the first two years after diagnosis are critical for metabolic control.
• 👥 Gender-specific trends show that after menopause, women are more prone to cardiovascular diseases, while men are more likely to have higher fasting sugar levels.
• 💼 The economic burden of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases is significant, with most patients in India paying out-of-pocket for healthcare, leading to increased financial stress.

Q & A

What is the estimated number of diabetes cases in India according to the global burden of disease?

The estimated number of diabetes cases in India is around 420 million.

What percentage of total deaths in India is attributed to cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is responsible for around 26% of the total deaths in India.

What is the prevalence of coronary disease among diabetics in India?

The prevalence of coronary disease in India is 21% for diabetics.

How does the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in rural India compare to urban areas?

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease in rural parts of India is nearly half that of the urban population.

What are the two main reasons for the cardiovascular disease burden in India according to the script?

The two main reasons for the cardiovascular disease burden in India are hypertension and diabetes.

What economic losses is India estimated to suffer between 2012 and 2030 due to health-related issues?

India is estimated to suffer losses of around $2.1 trillion US Dollars between 2012 and 2030 due to health-related issues.

What are the risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease as mentioned in the script?

Risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease include urbanization, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, stress, and lack of investment towards health.

How many diabetics and pre-diabetics are there in India according to the latest ICMR study?

According to the latest ICMR study, there are around 72 million diabetics and 136 million pre-diabetics in India.

What are the special peculiarities of Indian diabetics as mentioned by Dr. Anil?

Indian diabetics have special peculiarities such as a higher prevalence of diabetes due to ethnicity and genotype, family history of diabetes, inactive lifestyle, and early onset of diabetes.

What are the strategies suggested for preventing diabetes and cardiovascular disease?

The strategies for preventing diabetes and cardiovascular disease include changing dietary habits, reducing free sugars and carbs, following an active lifestyle, taking medications on time, and monitoring health.

Why is combination therapy recommended for diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease?

Combination therapy is recommended for diabetic patients with cardiovascular disease because it can improve beta cell function, provide a good glycemic response, reduce weight, lower blood pressure, and have anti-inflammatory effects without causing hypoglycemia.