Chronic Diseases
Chronic diseases are conditions that last for a year or longer, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. They often require ongoing care and are major causes of illness, disability, and health care spending in the United States. Explore National Academy of Medicine publications, initiatives, and resources below focused on preventing, treating, and managing chronic diseases.
Featured
Population Health: The Power of Prevention
Preventative measures like lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact on population health. This 2025 NAM Perspectives Commentary discusses the existing literature, including evidence on how lifestyle factors may influence chronic disease risk.
Explore some of the topics we've covered:
Diabetes, Obesity, and Nutrition
GLP-1 drugs, the science behind obesity, and how nutrition can impact chronic conditions like Type 2 diabetes. Read the latest from NAM insights, stories, publications, and action collaboratives.
COMMENTARY | Managing Pediatric Obesity: The Lived Experience of the Pediatric Primary Care Provider
HEALTH IN THE HEADLINES | Understanding GLP-1 Drugs: Cost, Safety, and Access in Context
HEALTH IN THE HEADLINES | Four Insights for American Families About Ultra-Processed Foods and Health
Cardiovascular Conditions and Heart Health
Cardiovascular disease, cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Read the latest on heart health from NAM insights, stories, publications, and programs.
INSIGHT | Preventing Deaths from Cardiovascular Complications During and After Pregnancy
CONSENSUS STUDY | Protecting Maternal Heart Health: Prevention and Care Before, During, and After Pregnancy
INSIGHT | The lower the better, for longer time: new cholesterol guidelines are a “paradigm shift” in preventing heart disease
Women's Health Conditions
Reproductive conditions, breast cancer, and chronic disease risks associated with the mid-life transition. Read the latest on women’s health from NAM insights, stories, publications, and programs.
EVENT | Reframing Midlife Women’s Health: Challenges and Opportunities
FELLOWSHIP | Scholars in Global Women’s Health Research
EVENT | Women’s Health: From Cells to Society (NAM Annual Meeting 2024)
The Brain: Mental and Physical Health
Dementia, mental illness, and associated risks. Read the latest about brain health covered by NAM publications, products, insights, and stories.
EVENT | A New Era for Alzheimer’s Treatment: Promise, Tradeoffs, and Tough Questions
INSIGHT | What is AI Psychosis? A Conversation on Chatbots and Mental Health
NASEM | Forum on Traumatic Brain Injury
Substance Use Disorder
Substance use disorder, a treatable health condition marked by challenges in managing substance use despite harmful consequences that affect a person’s well-being and quality of life, is a significant focus for the NAM Action Collaborative on Combatting Substance Use and Opioid Crises
DISCUSSION PAPER | Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Prevention of Substance Use Disorders through Socioecological Strategies
ACTION AGENDA | Integrating Telehealth and Traditional Care in Chronic Pain Management and Substance Use Disorder Treatment
DISCUSSION PAPER | Eleventh Annual DC Public Health Case Challenge
Environment-Related Conditions
Aspects of our environment can impact well being, through the development of some chronic diseases. Read the latest covered by NAM publications, products, insights, and stories.
RESOURCE | Health Impacts of Climate Change
CONSENSUS STUDY | Charting a Path Toward New Treatments for Lyme Infection-Associated Chronic Illnesses 2025
STORY | Dr. Betty Diamond on Scientific Progress, Patient Experience, and Expanding Research on Chronic Lyme Disease
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