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Causes of Non-communicable Diseases
- Non-communicable diseases are linked to lifestyle, diet, and environment.
- They are the most common cause of death in India.
- Some are caused by a lack of nutrients in the diet.
- Many last a long time and need regular care.
Example 1 — Scurvy
- Scurvy is caused by a lack of vitamin C.
- No germ causes this disease.
- So scurvy is a deficiency disease.
Example 2 — Diabetes
- Poor diet, no exercise, and being overweight can cause diabetes.
- It can last for many years.
- So diabetes is a chronic, non-communicable disease.
Important Points
- Diseases from a lack of nutrients are called deficiency diseases.
- Diseases that last more than 3 months are called chronic diseases.
Definition — Deficiency Diseases
Deficiency diseases are caused by a lack of specific nutrients in the diet, like scurvy, anaemia, and goitre.
Definition — Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases are diseases that last a long time, often more than 3 months, like cancer, diabetes, and asthma.
Procedure
Find the three most common lifestyle diseases in your neighbourhood. Talk to a doctor, nurse, health worker, or family member about lifestyle changes that help. Then fill Table 3.2.
Table 3.2 — Non-communicable Diseases
| S. No. | Lifestyle-related disease | Signs and symptoms | Suggested lifestyle change(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Obesity | Excess body weight, tiredness, breathlessness | Eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly |
| 2. | Diabetes | Frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, tiredness, slow healing | Eat less sugar, exercise daily, regular check-ups |
| 3. | High blood pressure | Headache, dizziness, chest discomfort | Less salt, exercise, manage stress |
| 4. | Heart disease | Chest pain, breathlessness, tiredness | Healthy diet, no smoking, exercise |
Explanation
Most lifestyle diseases share the same fix — better food, more movement, and less stress. So small daily changes can prevent or manage them.
◆ Summary
- NCDs come from lifestyle.
- Diet and exercise help.
- Less stress, less salt.
- Regular check-ups matter.
🔭 Be a Scientist — Dr. Kamal Ranadive
Dr. Kamal Ranadive (1917–2001) was a pioneering biomedical researcher. She studied how hormones and certain viruses are linked to cancer, helping improve its treatment and prevention.
Her work also showed how tobacco, diet, and pollution can raise the risk of cancer. This highlighted the importance of a healthy lifestyle.
🧠 Test Yourself — Section 3.4
-
What are pathogens?
View Answer
Germs that cause disease, like bacteria, viruses, fungi, worms, and protozoa. -
Name the two main types of diseases.
View Answer
Communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases. -
What are vectors?
View Answer
Insects like mosquitoes and houseflies that carry germs and spread disease. -
Give one example of a deficiency disease.
View Answer
Scurvy, anaemia, or goitre — caused by a lack of nutrients. -
What is a chronic disease?
View Answer
A disease that lasts a long time, often more than 3 months, like diabetes.
