Chronic diseases (eg, cardiovascular diseases, mental health disorders, diabetes, and cancer) and injuries are the leading causes of death and disability in India, and we project pronounced increases in their contribution to the burden of disease during the next 25 years. Most chronic diseases are equally prevalent in poor and rural populations and often occur together.

With growing urbanization and economic development, there is a rapid increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in India. T2DM is associated with 2-4 times higher risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary artery disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease.

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and study the associated factors in a rural population in Goa, India.

Diet-related illnesses are some of the biggest killers today. Can we tailor our food intake to prevent these diseases? Large international projects are underway to find out.