The Society for the Prevention of Hypertension & Diabetes (SPHD) is formed by a group of people who firmly believe that Primordial Prevention – “a road less travelled” will control the growing prevalence of Hypertension and Diabetes in our country. The group consists of medicos, nurses, para-medics, teachers, scientists, and all those who share this similar belief.

The present scenario: It is globally accepted fact that Diabetes and Hypertension are two diseases with devastating repercussions on the health of human beings. In our country, Type II Diabetes and Hypertension are very common in the age group of 35 years and above. This group constitutes nearly 35% of our population. We Indians seem to be more prone to diabetes compared to Caucasians’. Indian health care system shoulders about 18% of the global burden of patients suffering from diabetes. With 66 million diabetic patients we are approaching the top of the list of most populous countries, a burden that is growing rapidly and is estimated to get worse in coming years.

Battalions of excellent clinicians coupled with advances in technology in the field of diagnosis and therapeutics, are trying their best to keep these diseases under control. Indeed, we have great regard for the capabilities of our clinicians, but the ever-increasing inflow of these diseases poses a great challenge. Augmenting healthcare facilities alone cannot be the solution to this difficult problem.

What could be done?

The ultimate goal of our Society is to generate awareness in the population to achieve a reduction in the overall prevalence of these diseases in India.

‘Primordial Prevention’ is a better weapon to fight the Tsunami of these diseases. A faulty life style is the major determinant of all metabolic diseases. Today, we are mutely witnessing a paradox in our system. We are fed by the food industry that has no concern for our health and our health Industry is busy treating patients and hence pays less attention to food. Our motto is to make society aware about the right choices. We believe that community participation is extremely essential. We are now aware that the disease process starts far before it comes to the surface and it is essential to curb the disease process by lifestyle changes at an early phase. Hence we are targeting our activities at 65% of the population that is below 35 years of age. We plan to ‘catch them young’ and ignite the young minds that will spread the message, hopefully like a fire in the jungle.

We are very confident that the younger generation has the strength & determination to change the present scenario with long-lasting effects.

What is Primordial Prevention?

In 1978, Strasser suggested that the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) should go beyond the concept of primary prevention. He coined the term ‘primordial prevention’ to denote activities that prevented the penetration of risk factors into the population by intervening to stop the appearance of the risk factors. In primary prevention, the focus is on people with risk factors whereas in primordial prevention the target is a faulty life style that generates risk factors.

Why Primordial Prevention:

Primordial prevention is defined as prevention of risk factors themselves, beginning with change in social and environmental conditions in which these factors are observed to develop, and continuing for high risk children, adolescents and young adults.

Primordial prevention, a relatively new concept, is receiving special attention in the prevention of chronic diseases. For example, many adult health problems (e.g.
obesity, hypertension) have their early origins in childhood, because this is the time when lifestyles are formed. Primordial prevention begins in childhood when health risk behavior begins. Parents, teachers and peer groups are important in imparting health education to children.

An Appeal: We would like to invite you to share your ideas with us. You may help us to organize the awareness campaign in your school, college, office, company or housing societies. You may sponsor any of our activities. You are most welcome to join our mission in whatever capacity you feel comfortable.