Alarming Health Shift in India: Diabetes, Heart Disease Rise as Infections Decline

India is undergoing a major epidemiological transition. While the country has made steady progress in controlling infectious diseases, a new threat is rapidly emerging: lifestyle diseases. Conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and hypertension are rising sharply, reshaping the nation’s public health landscape. According to the latest pan-India survey by the National Statistics Office, 2025, 25.6 per cent of people reported cardiovascular ailments, compared to 16.7 per cent during July 2017 to June 2018. While there has been a decline in infectious illnesses like tuberculosis and diarrhoeal diseases, there is a steep surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This dual trend reflects changing lifestyles, urbanisation, and evolving

health risks across India. The survey reports non-communicable diseases are particularly higher in people over 45 years of age, which indicates that these are related to lifestyle. In contrast, 15 per cent of people reported experiencing infections, including ailments like fever, jaundice, and diarrhoea in 2025, down from 32 per cent in 2017-18. Infections, however, still accounted for more than half of all ailments among children up to age 14.Also read: A Simple Rupees 300 Test Can Catch Chronic Kidney Disease Early - Here’s Why Doctors Urge Screening

From infections to lifestyle diseases

For decades, infectious diseases were the leading cause of illness and death in India. Various initiatives by the government, such as improved sanitation, vaccination drives, and better access to healthcare, have helped reduce the burden of infections. However, these gains have been accompanied by a rise in lifestyle-related conditions. According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases now account for over 60 per cent of deaths in India, making them the leading cause of mortality.

What’s driving the surge?

Several factors are contributing to the increase in lifestyle diseases:

Sedentary lifestyle

Urban living and desk-bound jobs have reduced physical activity, increasing the risk of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Unhealthy dietary habits

High consumption of processed foods, sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats is fuelling conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

High stress levels

Chronic stress, poor sleep, and fast-paced lifestyles are impacting overall health and increasing cardiovascular risk.

Tobacco and alcohol use

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption remain major contributors to chronic diseases.

The silent nature of NCDs

Much like chronic kidney disease, many lifestyle diseases develop silently. Conditions like hypertension and early-stage diabetes often show no obvious symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and complications. Common lifestyle diseases include:

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Obesity

Without early detection, these conditions can lead to serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and even premature death.

Decline in infectious diseases – a positive shift

The reduction in infectious diseases is a significant public health achievement. Improved hygiene, vaccination programs, and awareness campaigns have helped control illnesses such as tuberculosis, malaria, and other water-borne infections. This progress reflects stronger healthcare systems and better disease surveillance across the country. However, the rise in lifestyle diseases presents a different kind of challenge. Unlike infections, NCDs require long-term management, lifestyle changes, and continuous medical care. This puts sustained pressure on both individuals and the healthcare system. Additionally, treatment for chronic diseases can be expensive, leading to increased out-of-pocket expenditure for families.

Prevention is the key

The good news is that most lifestyle diseases are preventable. Experts recommend:

• Regular health check-ups and screening
• A balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Daily physical activity
• Stress management and adequate sleep
• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol

Early detection and lifestyle modification can significantly reduce the risk and progression of these conditions. India’s shift from infectious diseases to lifestyle diseases marks a critical turning point in public health. While progress against infections is encouraging, the rapid rise of chronic conditions demands urgent attention. Addressing this growing epidemic will require a combination of awareness, prevention, and policy action. For individuals, the message is clear - small lifestyle changes today can prevent serious health complications tomorrow.