India’s first diabetes biobank has been established in Chennai through a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF). This facility collects, processes, stores, and distributes samples for research on diabetes and related health issues.
Objective and Significance of the Biobank
The primary objective of this biobank is to facilitate advanced research into the underlying causes of diabetes, particularly focusing on its unique prevalence in India and related health conditions. Dr. V. Mohan, chairman of MDRF, emphasized that the biobank will play a crucial role in discovering new biomarkers for early diabetes diagnosis and in creating personalized treatment approaches for patients. The biobank houses blood samples from two major ICMR-funded studies: the ICMR-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB) study and the Registry of Young-Onset Diabetes. These studies are pivotal in advancing future research into diabetes management and prevention.
Potential for Long-term Research
The establishment of this biobank is expected to support longitudinal studies that track the progression of diabetes and its associated complications. Such studies will enhance the management and prevention of diabetes by identifying key factors affecting its development. Additionally, the biobank will enable collaborative research efforts, solidifying India’s position as a significant contributor to the global fight against diabetes. The facility also aims to develop cost-effective, disease-specific biobanks by employing cutting-edge specimen storage techniques and data-sharing technologies.
Key Research Studies Stored in the Biobank
ICMR-INDIAB Study:
Conducted between 2008 and 2020, this large-scale study involved over 1.2 lakh individuals across 31 states and Union Territories of India. The study revealed the alarming prevalence of diabetes and prediabetes in India. It showed that over 10 crore people are living with diabetes, while an additional 13.6 crore individuals are affected by prediabetes.
Registry of Young-Onset Diabetes:
Focusing on youth diagnosed with diabetes, this study includes more than 5,500 participants. It highlights the growing concern of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes in younger populations. The study found the average age of diagnosis to be 12.9 years for Type 1 diabetes and 21.7 years for Type 2 diabetes, stressing the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.
Diabetes in India: A Growing Concern
India faces a major public health challenge, with approximately 10 crore people diagnosed with diabetes. Additionally, 13.6 crore individuals are living with prediabetes. Hypertension affects 31.5 crore people, while 21.3 crore suffer from hypercholesterolemia. These figures underline the critical need for extensive research and innovative healthcare strategies.
Role of MDRF and ICMR
The Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), based in Chennai, is at the forefront of diabetes research in India, aiming to understand and address diabetes-related health issues. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is a premier national body responsible for public health research. It plays a key role in advancing scientific knowledge and solutions related to diabetes and other public health concerns.
Future of Diabetes Research
The establishment of this biobank allows researchers to explore new avenues in understanding diabetes progression, its complications, and the development of targeted treatments. By fostering long-term, collaborative research, the biobank will be integral in enhancing diabetes care both in India and globally.
Also Read: Gukesh Becomes the Youngest Ever FIDE World Chess Champion in 2024
Conclusion: The Critical Role of the Biobank
The diabetes biobank will serve as an essential resource for biomedical research, collecting, storing, and distributing biological samples. This facility will significantly contribute to more effective management and treatment strategies for the millions affected by diabetes. By enabling the identification of early biomarkers, it will improve the understanding of the condition.
