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Introduction

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), primarily diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular ailments, have emerged as a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally, with a disproportionately high burden in low- and middle-income countries like India [1]. The epidemiological transition is acutely felt in rural India, where healthcare access is often limited, and lifestyle changes are rapidly contributing to the rise of these conditions [2]. Diabetes and hypertension frequently coexist, compounding the risk of complications such as renal failure, stroke, and ischemic heart disease [3]. Furthermore, obesity is a critical modifiable risk factor that exacerbates the incidence and severity of both conditions [4].The Parali block in the Beed district of Maharashtra represents a typical rural population undergoing this health transition. Conventional management of these NCDs often requires lifelong pharmacotherapy, which can be a financial and logistical burden. In this context, Ayurveda, India's ancient system of medicine, offers a holistic framework focusing on diet (Ahar), lifestyle (Vihar), and herbal formulations to manage health and disease [5]. This study reports on a community screening program and the subsequent management of identified cases of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity through an Ayurvedic paradigm.

Rationale of the Study

Despite national programs for NCD control, a significant gap exists in the delivery of sustainable and accessible care in rural settings. There is a growing interest in and evidence for the role of integrative and alternative medicine in chronic disease management [6, 7]. Ayurveda's emphasis on preventive and promotive health through personalized lifestyle modifications presents a viable, culturally acceptable, and potentially cost-effective strategy [8]. This study was conceived to document the baseline prevalence of these NCDs in a defined rural population and to systematically evaluate the real-world effectiveness of a structured Ayurveda-based intervention in a community setting, an area with limited robust research.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of DM, HTN, and obesity in the Parali block of Beed district and evaluate the outcomes of a 12-month management program incorporating Ayurvedic principles.

Results:

Table no. 1 Gender wise distribution of the patients in the Health Camp

Discussion

This community-based initiative successfully screened a large population (n=6402), revealing a high burden of NCDs in Parali block. The prevalence of hypertension (51.9%) and diabetes (25.6%) was alarmingly high, with over one-fifth of the screened population suffering from both conditions. The high rate of obesity (68%) identified is a key concern, as it is a well-established driver for both insulin resistance and hypertension [4, 9], creating a complex clinical scenario.The 12-month follow-up data demonstrates the promise of an Ayurvedic and lifestyle-oriented approach. The significant reduction in mean systolic BP (22 mmHg) and diastolic BP (approx. 9.3 mmHg) in hypertensive patients is clinically meaningful and translated to 34% of the followed-up cohort achieving controlled BP. This aligns with studies showing the efficacy of yoga, meditation, and specific herbal remedies in reducing blood pressure [10, 11].

For diabetic patients, the trajectory of mean BSL showed a consistent decline up to the 9th month (144.3 mg/dl) before a slight rise at the 12th month (174.2 mg/dl). This pattern suggests strong initial responsiveness to the intervention, but also highlights the challenge of long-term adherence to dietary and lifestyle changes. The final BSL control rate of 23.7% indicates that while the intervention was beneficial on a population-average level, a majority of patients still required more intensive management. The analysis of patients with comorbid DM and HTN provides critical insights. While this group experienced the greatest relative reduction in mean BSL (27.0%), their BP control rate was the lowest (18.5%). This indicates that achieving dual control is significantly more challenging, possibly due to the synergistic pathophysiology of the two diseases and the heightened impact of factors like obesity and chronic stress [12]. The data underscores that a "one-size-fits-all" approach is insufficient, and comorbid patients need more aggressive and multifaceted management plans.The variation in outcomes across different camps (e.g., 50% recovery in Natraj Rang Mandir vs. 20% in Islampur Bangla) suggests that local factors, such as community engagement, leadership, and adherence levels, play a crucial role in the success of such programs. The high prevalence of excessive body fat (79.4%) demands that future interventions incorporate more targeted and sustained weight management strategies, as even modest weight loss (5-10%) can dramatically improve glycemic and blood pressure control [13]. Limitations: This study has limitations, including the lack of a concurrent control group, potential variability in adherence to the Ayurvedic regimen, and the relatively small sample size for the follow-up cohort compared to the initial screening. The specific Ayurvedic protocols used were not detailed in the report, which limits the reproducibility of the study.

Conclusion

The Community Screening and Management Program in Parali Block successfully documented a high prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity and demonstrated that a 12-month management program grounded in Ayurvedic principles and lifestyle modification can yield significant improvements in clinical parameters. The findings affirm that lifestyle interventions are a cornerstone of managing these NCDs. However, the suboptimal control rates, particularly for blood pressure in comorbid patients and the pervasive challenge of obesity, indicate that more intensive, prolonged, and tailored strategies are necessary. Future programs should integrate robust dietary counseling, structured physical activity modules, and consistent long-term follow-up to consolidate and build upon the health gains achieved. An integrative model that combines the strengths of Ayurveda with contemporary public health practices holds significant promise for addressing the NCD epidemic in rural India.