Preventive Care and Early Intervention Strategies for Obesity, Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease
Peter Aduvie Josiah
*
Department of Medicine and Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Niger Delta University, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
Obinna Hilary Tony-Okpalaobi
Department of Internal Medicine, Federal Medical Center Jabi, Abuja, Nigeria.
Ganiyat Titilayo Raji
Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Eberechi Ogeiheoma Nwoye
Department of Pediatrics, College of Health Sciences Nnewi, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Collins E. Ihebie
Department of Public Health Sciences, College of Health Sciences, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, USA.
Bukola Mekuleyi Asorho
Department of Medicine, University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), is increasing worldwide due to rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and an ageing population. All three conditions share a common pathological basis characterized by features of insulin resistance, chronic inflammation and disturbed metabolic function that together account for a major component of morbidity, mortality and increasing healthcare expenditure.
A wide range of risk factors contribute to metabolic disorders, including modifiable behavioural risk factors such as diet and physical activity, as well as non-modifiable and socio-environmental risks. Primary prevention can be achieved through lifestyle modification and health education programmes. Secondary prevention relies on early detection and screening of at-risk individuals using simple tests such as BMI, fasting glucose levels, HbA1c, lipid profiles and cardiovascular risk scores.
This review utilizes a narrative synthesis to discuss evidence-based approaches to preventive care for these major health problems, including multidisciplinary treatment pathways for effective obesity, diabetes and CVD prevention. It also explores emerging innovations such as digital health technologies, artificial intelligence and precision medicine and their potential in future prevention programs. The review addresses critical barriers at the individual, healthcare system and policy levels, as well as a discussion of cost-effective interventions in low-resource settings to prevent these conditions among diverse populations.
To successfully address the global epidemics of obesity, diabetes and CVD, an integrated, multi-level approach that seeks behaviour change at the individual level, strengthens the healthcare system, and supports appropriate public policies at the population level is required.
Keywords: Obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, preventive care, early intervention