Bangkok: In an era where people are increasingly health-conscious, the number of people suffering from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rising sharply. Dr. Woraya Lueang-on, Director of the Non-Communicable Diseases Division, Department of Disease Control, explains that the most worrying aspect is that these "silent threats" are not transmitted through pathogens, but rather spread and persist through our own "behaviors" and "lifestyles."
According to Thai News Agency, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a group of chronic illnesses that are not caused by infection, but by a cumulative combination of behavioral, environmental, and genetic factors. The major silent killers include diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases. Dr. Waraya provided a clear definition that these diseases often come as a "package deal," meaning that when you develop one disease, such as diabetes, other diseases like high blood pressure or high cholesterol will often "call out" one after another, making treatment more difficult and complex.
Unveiling the mystery behind why thin people can have high blood cholesterol, Dr. Woraya explains that as age increases, metabolism slows down, leading to fat accumulation in the blood vessels, even in physically fit individuals. Genetic factors and specific behaviors such as smoking or alcohol consumption also contribute. A prime example is the case of a marathon runner who appeared very fit but suddenly died during a race due to a silent underlying condition that had been undiagnosed for a long time.
The latest statistics from the Non-Communicable Diseases Division reflect an increasingly serious situation, particularly the significant increase in the number of patients and deaths over the past three years. High blood pressure has seen an increase of approximately 600,000 cases, while diabetes cases have risen by about 300,000. Stroke and ischemic heart disease have also shown alarming numbers in both new cases and deaths.
Modern lifestyles have accelerated the threat of NCDs, with three main risk factors identified. Sedentary behavior in office environments slows metabolism, while hidden dangers in food and beverages are prevalent due to lower vegetable consumption and a focus on processed and sugary foods. These diseases often show no painful symptoms in their early stages, causing patients to neglect screening until serious complications occur.
The Department of Disease Control has upgraded measures to reduce losses, with key goals and innovative services. These include reducing premature deaths to below 11 percent, expanding screening points at community pharmacies for rapid diagnosis, and promoting diabetes remission through intensive dietary and exercise modifications.
Dr. Woraya recommends five behavior modification techniques for sustainable health. These include reducing sugar intake, increasing physical activity, choosing a proactive approach to eating, regularly checking for warning signs, and undergoing rigorous annual health checkups. Emphasizing the importance of awareness, Dr. Woraya stresses that prevention is the best approach to maintaining good health and alleviating the burden on families and the healthcare system.