Metropolis Healthcare launches Next Best Action (NBA) initiative to combat chronic diseases 

Unveils concerning data trends around diabetes from a four-year data study

Metropolis Healthcare has launched the Next Best Action (NBA) initiative, a comprehensive patient education programme designed to address the alarming rise in chronic diseases. The ground-breaking initiative is fuelled by an in-depth data study involving 1,50,261 adults who underwent general body check-ups under the TruHealth package by Metropolis, from 2019 to 2022. The NBA initiative aims to empower patients to take charge of their health and prevent the severe complications associated with chronic conditions. Leveraging the results of basic blood parameters, the NBA recommends follow-up tests based on the latest research and guidelines tailored to each patient, providing a comprehensive assessment of various body systems. 

For instance, patients with elevated blood glucose levels receive advice for diabetes monitoring tests, cardiac risk assessment, and diabetes complication assessment based on the laboratory results and trends. This approach utilises data science, enabling a better understanding of their diabetes-related complications, and guiding their treatment journey. Regular diabetes check-ups are also emphasised to monitor blood glucose levels effectively. With the help of data analytics, it is possible to identify and monitor prediabetics according to ADA (American Diabetic Association) guidelines. 

Key Findings from Metropolis’ TruHealth Data Study: 

• The study included a broad age range, with 39.29 per cent of adults aged over 60 years and a significant 52.87 per cent of adults between 31-60 years.
• Slightly more males (52.87 per cent) comprised the study compared to females (47.13 per cent).
• Alarmingly, around 38.89 per cent of the population were diabetic, and an even higher number (40.31 per cent) were pre-diabetic, putting them at an increased risk of diabetes and its associated complications. These results were based on blood glucose and HBA1c levels.
• Of the diabetics, 53.87 per cent were over 60 years old, emphasizing the importance of early testing and lifestyle modifications. Meanwhile, the majority of pre-diabetics (43.62 per cent) were aged 31-45 years, underscoring the need for diabetes education at a younger age.
  

Kidney complications are a significant concern for diabetes patients. The study found that 4.82 per cent of pre-diabetics and close to 10 per cent of diabetics had high serum creatinine levels, a key indicator of kidney problems. Other important kidney-related parameters, such as Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) and microalbuminuria, were also affected in diabetics, emphasising the need for Renal Function Tests to monitor kidney health. 

Heart health is another crucial aspect affected by high blood sugar levels. Around 92,319 patients underwent lipid profile tests, revealing that a significant number of diabetics and pre-diabetics were at risk of heart diseases due to abnormal lipid and cholesterol levels. Elevated LDL (bad cholesterol), low HDL (good cholesterol), and high triglycerides, when combined with diabetes, pose potential risks for coronary arterial diseases, strokes, and peripheral vascular diseases. 

Commenting on the launch of the initiative, Surendran Chemmenkotil, Chief Executive Officer, Metropolis Healthcare, said, “We at Metropolis are committed to raising awareness about the alarming trends in chronic health conditions and the importance of timely diagnosis, lifestyle modifications, and patient education. Our NBA Initiative is a proactive step towards early detection and management of complications arising from chronic illnesses, enabling patients to achieve better health outcomes and improve their quality of life.” 

Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Scientific Officer, Metropolis Healthcare said, “Many patients are unaware of their diabetes status, which silently affects vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas. As per IDF, 7 in 10 diabetics are diagnosed as a result of complications & our Metropolis study also shows similar trends. Through its Next Best Action (NBA) initiative, Metropolis leverages its scientific expertise to provide data science-backed diagnostic algorithms and actionable medical remarks to mitigate the risks associated with diabetes and its complications.