Integrating Nutrition Diagnostics into Preventive Healthcare: A Framework for Holistic Patient Management in Developing and Developed Economies

Abstract

Nutrition diagnostics is emerging as a key component of preventive care, enabling the early detection of nutritional risks and guiding targeted interventions that stem the burden of non-communicable disease (NCDs). In this article, an overall strategy for the integration of nutrition diagnostics as part of comprehensive patient care in developed and emerging economies is discussed. Drawing parallels with established models such as GLIM, NCP, and ESPEN guidelines, the paper suggests a tiered approach that includes community-based screening, confirmatory diagnostic testing, and integrated patient care. In high-income countries, nutrition diagnostics are assured by robust policies, insurance-covered reimbursement, and advanced laboratory technologies. Conversely, developing nations are facing challenges of constrained infrastructure, dearth of human resources, and limited funding but are progressing with scalable technologies such as point-of-care testing, key lists of diagnostics, and community health models. Comparative assessment recognizes convergences in the recognition of the international malnutrition burden and divergences in diagnostic capability, policy backing, and development of the workforce. The stated future directions outlined the roles to be played by artificial intelligence, precision medicine and mobile health in achieving enhanced access and global equity. The findings of this work once again underscore the non-negotiable nature of integrating nutrition diagnostics within preventive healthcare to achieve a holistic, cost-effective, and patient-focused care in diverse health systems.