​5 preventable diseases that can kill you if left unnoticed – The Economic Times

Report on Diabetes Mellitus and its Intersection with Sustainable Development Goals

Defining the Health Challenge in the Context of SDG 3

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. This condition arises when the body either fails to produce sufficient insulin or cannot effectively utilize the insulin it produces. The long-term consequences of hyperglycemia include severe damage to vital organs and systems, including the cardiovascular system, nerves, kidneys, and eyes. Type 2 diabetes, the most prevalent form, is strongly correlated with lifestyle factors, making it a critical public health issue that directly impacts the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being).

Mortality and Morbidity: A Barrier to SDG 3 Targets

The global burden of diabetes presents a significant obstacle to meeting SDG Target 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The direct and indirect impacts are substantial:

• Direct mortality accounts for over two million deaths annually.
• Diabetes significantly elevates the risk of co-morbidities, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure, contributing to a much higher overall mortality rate.
• The disease compromises immune function, increasing susceptibility to life-threatening infections.

Clinical Indicators for Early Detection and Public Awareness

Public health initiatives aligned with SDG 3 must emphasize education on early warning signs to facilitate timely diagnosis and management. Key indicators requiring medical assessment include:

• Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
• Polyuria (frequent urination)
• Polyphagia (extreme hunger)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Delayed wound healing
• Paresthesia (tingling or numbness in extremities)
• Chronic fatigue

Preventative Strategies and Multi-Goal SDG Alignment

A multi-faceted approach to prevention and management is essential, contributing not only to SDG 3 but also to several other interconnected goals. Key strategies include:

1. Promoting Healthy Nutrition and Lifestyles: Maintaining a healthy body weight through balanced nutrition is paramount. This involves limiting the intake of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods, which supports SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting sustainable consumption and improved nutrition.
2. Encouraging Physical Activity: Regular physical activity is a cornerstone of diabetes prevention. This aligns with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), which advocates for creating safe and accessible public spaces that encourage active lifestyles.
3. Ensuring Access to Healthcare: Regular screening, particularly for individuals over 40 or with a family history of the disease, is crucial for early intervention. Adherence to prescribed treatment plans is vital to prevent complications, reinforcing the universal health coverage targets within SDG 3.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The primary Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) addressed in the article is:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being. The entire article is dedicated to diabetes, a major non-communicable disease (NCD). It discusses the health implications (“damages blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and heart”), mortality rates (“causes over 2 million deaths a year”), and strategies for prevention and management (“How to protect yourself”). This directly aligns with the core objective of SDG 3, which is to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s focus on diabetes, a specific target under SDG 3 can be identified:

• Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
  • The article directly supports this target by highlighting diabetes as a major NCD that “directly causes over 2 million deaths a year” and increases the risk of other fatal conditions like heart disease and stroke.
  • Furthermore, the section “How to protect yourself” provides clear prevention strategies (e.g., “Maintain a healthy weight,” “Eat balanced meals,” “Stay active”), and the advice to “follow treatment carefully to avoid complications” addresses the treatment aspect of this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article mentions a statistic that directly relates to an official SDG indicator:

• Indicator 3.4.1: Mortality rate attributed to cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes or chronic respiratory disease.
  • The article provides a direct data point relevant to this indicator by stating, “Diabetes directly causes over 2 million deaths a year.” This figure is a measure of the mortality rate attributed to diabetes, which is a key component of Indicator 3.4.1. Progress towards Target 3.4 would be measured by a reduction in this number over time.
  • The preventative measures discussed, such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating balanced meals, are actions that, if adopted by a population, would lead to a decrease in the mortality rate measured by this indicator.

4. Table of Findings

Source: m.economictimes.com