India’s battle against diabetes has taken a path-breaking turn with the establishment of its first biobank for diabetes in Chennai. This initiative, the result of a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), is set to revolutionize diabetes research in the country. Located at MDRF, the biobank aims to collect, store, and distribute biological samples to aid advanced scientific investigations into this chronic condition that affects millions of Indians.

For a country struggling with one of the highest diabetes burdens globally, this biobank is a significant milestone. It promises to deepen the understanding of diabetes, especially within the Indian population, by providing researchers with access to diverse biological samples. These samples will enable studies on various forms of diabetes, including type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, offering insights into their causes, complications, and progression.

According to Dr. V. Mohan, chairman of MDRF and Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialties Centre, the repository is a treasure trove for researchers aiming to develop targeted treatment and early diagnostic tools. By housing samples from young individuals with diabetes, the biobank also opens doors to personalized medicine, an approach that tailors treatment based on an individual’s genetic and biological makeup.

The biobank currently holds samples from two landmark ICMR-funded studies, which have already made significant contributions to diabetes research.

This study, conducted between 2008 and 2020, spanned across all Indian states and Union territories. With over 1.2 lakh participants, it painted a grim picture of the diabetes epidemic in India. The study estimated that the country has 10.1 crore diabetes cases and an alarming 13.6 crore cases of prediabetes. These findings reveal that metabolic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are far more prevalent than previously assumed, showcasing the urgency of early intervention strategies.

Launched in 2006, this registry focuses on diabetes diagnosed at a younger age. Among the most concerning findings was that type 1 diabetes was typically diagnosed at an average age of 12.9 years, while type 2 diabetes appeared around 21.7 years. Late diagnosis emerged as a critical issue, with nearly half of type 2 cases already experiencing hospitalizations by the time they were identified.

These studies, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, expose the pressing need for improved awareness, early diagnosis, and better management of diabetes in India.

Biobanks are repositories that store biological samples such as blood, tissues, and DNA, along with corresponding health data. They are vital for advancing medical research, as they allow scientists to study diseases at a molecular level, identify biomarkers for early diagnosis, and develop targeted therapies.

India’s diabetes biobank is poised to play a similar role by supporting collaborative research efforts and tracking the progression of diabetes. It will not only enhance national strategies for prevention and management but also contribute to the global understanding of the disease.

Moreover, the biobank aligns with India’s commitment to combat lifestyle diseases, as outlined in its national health programs. By creating a robust platform for research, it is expected to drive innovations in diabetes treatment and prevention.

Diabetes is one of the leading health challenges in India, often referred to as the diabetes capital of the world. With rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy diets contributing to its prevalence, the disease has become a public health crisis. The data from the biobank highlights the urgency of addressing this epidemic:

•    Rising Numbers: Over 10 crore Indians live with diabetes, and another 13.6 crore are on the brink of developing the condition.

•    Youth-onset Diabetes: A concerning trend is the increasing number of younger individuals being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, a condition once associated with older adults.

•    Late Diagnoses: Many cases are diagnosed late, leading to complications such as kidney damage, heart disease, and vision problems.

One of the biobank’s primary objectives is to facilitate research that can lead to early diagnosis of diabetes. Early detection is crucial for preventing complications and improving quality of life. The samples housed in the biobank can help identify genetic and molecular markers that indicate a predisposition to diabetes, enabling timely intervention.

Personalized medicine, another focus area, offers a ray of hope. By tailoring treatment plans to an individual’s unique genetic and biological profile, personalized medicine can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of complications. This approach is particularly important in a diverse country like India, where genetic, cultural, and lifestyle differences influence disease patterns.

The biobank is not just a resource for India but a potential global game-changer. By building collaborations between researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers, it aims to create a comprehensive strategy for tackling diabetes.

For instance, the data collected can be used to design public health campaigns that raise awareness about the importance of regular health check-ups, healthy eating, and physical activity. It can also guide policymakers in allocating resources effectively and implementing targeted interventions in high-risk populations.

The establishment of India’s first diabetes biobank is a monumental step forward in the fight against a disease that affects millions. By providing a platform for cutting-edge research, it holds the promise of breakthroughs that can transform how diabetes is diagnosed, treated, and managed.

However, the success of this initiative depends on continued investment in research, collaboration among stakeholders, and public awareness. As India takes on this challenge, the diabetes biobank stands as a symbol of hope and determination in the quest for better health outcomes.

With the insights and innovations it is expected to generate, this biobank could well be the key to turning the tide against India’s diabetes epidemic, offering a brighter, healthier future for millions of individuals and families