Current Affairs 14 November 2024

General Studies II: Health – CKM Syndrome

Why in the News?

World Diabetes Day is observed on November 14.

What is CKM Syndrome?

CKM Syndrome is a complex health disorder that includes cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes. These conditions are interlinked, with obesity and Type 2 diabetes being metabolic issues that can trigger or worsen the other conditions within CKM Syndrome. The presence of one often exacerbates the others, creating a cycle of deterioration.

Symptoms of CKM Syndrome:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Syncope (passing out)
• Swelling in legs, feet, hands, or ankles
• Pain in legs while walking
• Tiredness
• Loss of appetite or increased appetite
• Frequent urination
• Dry skin
• Sleep apnea
• Gout

Insidious Growth:

CKM Syndrome often develops gradually, with an increase in body weight and waist circumference. This escalation leads to obesity, which then triggers a cascade of metabolic issues, worsening the condition.

Premature Death Vulnerability:

The syndrome places significant stress on vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, liver, and blood vessels, significantly increasing the risk of premature death.

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Burden:

According to the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) report, NCDs account for 69% of premature deaths globally and 68% of years lost to disability.
In India, the prevalence of NCDs is similarly alarming:

• Diabetes: 16.1%
• Obesity: 40.3%
• Hypertension: 24% of men and 21% of women

Tamil Nadu NCD Burden (2020):

• Overweight: 28.5%
• Obesity: 11.4%
• Hypertension: 33.9%
• Diabetes: 17.6%

The WHO STEPwise approach for NCD surveillance has been instrumental in tracking these risks and helping governments address them.

Reasons for High Prevalence of CKM:

• Globalization: Long working hours, night shifts, and a focus on workaholism compromise health.
• Unhealthy Lifestyle: Extended work hours and stress often lead to poor dietary choices, such as high intake of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
• Poor Glycemic Control: High glycemic foods, like rice, distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS), contribute to obesity.
• Poverty: Low socioeconomic status is linked to poor diet, lack of physical activity, and substance use like tobacco and alcohol.

Challenges in Managing CKM Syndrome:

• Lack of Holistic Risk Assessment: Current healthcare models focus on individual diseases rather than assessing the interlinked risks of CKM syndrome.
• Fragmented Care: Patients with multiple affected organs often see different specialists, leading to inefficiencies and complications.
• Inadequate Management: Only a small fraction of those affected receive treatment to manage their blood pressure and other aspects of CKM.
• Low Awareness: There is insufficient public awareness about the risks, causes, and impacts of NCDs and unhealthy lifestyles.

Impacts of CKM Syndrome:

• Threat to SDG Targets: Rising obesity, diabetes, and hypertension rates undermine health targets set by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Economic Impact: The economic loss from NCDs in India is estimated to reach US $3.55 trillion between 2012 and 2030.
• Health Budget Strain: NCD-related procedures like coronary angioplasty and dialysis dominate claims under health insurance schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Tamil Nadu’s CMCHIS.
• Household Financial Instability: NCDs lead to income loss and increased out-of-pocket medical expenses, especially in low-income families.

Government Measures to Tackle NCDs:

• NPCDCS: The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke strengthens infrastructure, promotes health education, and ensures early diagnosis and management of NCDs.
• PBS (Population-Based Screening): Under the National Health Mission, efforts focus on the prevention and control of NCDs through regular screenings at Health and Wellness Centers.
• National NCD Portal: A centralized portal for tracking and managing NCDs through population-based screening.
• Whole of Society Approach: A multi-sectoral strategy to promote health, wellness, and the prevention of NCDs through coordinated efforts by government departments, civil society, and healthcare systems.
• Digital Health Technologies: Tools like telemedicine, mobile apps, and data analytics are improving access to care, patient engagement, and monitoring of NCD progress.
• Fit India Movement: A nationwide initiative to encourage physical activity and fitness, aimed at combating lifestyle diseases.

Way Forward:

• Integrated Care: Moving from fragmented care to a unified management model that addresses all risk factors simultaneously. An integrated clinic could provide coordinated care through a multidisciplinary team.
• Preventive Measures: Introducing regular obesity and weight screenings for children to identify high-risk individuals early.
• Diet Diversification: Replacing rice in the PDS with millets to reduce glycemic load in the population.
• Regulation of Work Hours: Ensuring work-life balance and limiting excessive work hours is a key public health measure.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educating the population about healthy eating habits and lifestyle choices to reduce the prevalence of CKM syndrome.