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India Launches First Diabetes Biobank in Chennai: A Major Step Towards Tackling the Growing Health Crisis
India has inaugurated its first-ever diabetes biobank in Chennai, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against diabetes. This initiative is the result of a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), with the goal of advancing scientific research and improving treatment for diabetes. According to recent studies, India is home to over 10 crore people with diabetes and 13.6 crore individuals with prediabetes, placing the country among the highest globally in terms of diabetes prevalence. This biobank is expected to play a crucial role in developing better strategies for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease.
India Takes Bold Step in Combating Diabetes with Launch of First-Ever Diabetes Biobank in Chennai
India has made a significant leap in its battle against diabetes with the establishment of the country’s first-ever diabetes biobank in Chennai. This pioneering initiative, a collaboration between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF), is set to accelerate scientific research and treatment strategies for diabetes, according to PTI.
The biobank, which houses a wealth of biological samples from across India, aims to unlock crucial insights into one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges. With over 10 crore diabetes cases and 13.6 crore prediabetes cases, India is facing an unprecedented diabetes crisis, making the biobank a critical resource in the fight against this chronic condition. Here’s what we know about this breakthrough initiative:
A Long-Awaited Milestone in Diabetes Research
The journey to establish India’s first diabetes biobank began two years ago, with the goal of creating a dedicated facility for collecting, processing, storing, and distributing biospecimens for diabetes-related scientific research.
The biobank will play a key role in advancing research on the causes of diabetes, including unique variations of the disease in India, such as Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. Dr. V Mohan, chairman of the MDRF and Dr. Mohan’s Diabetes Specialities Centre, emphasized that this initiative will provide critical data for the development of better treatment strategies.
The collection includes a variety of blood samples from different types of diabetes in younger individuals, preserved for future research. The focus on younger age groups, in particular, is expected to offer new insights into the early onset of diabetes in India.
Unlocking New Potential for Personalized Treatments
According to an article in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, the biobank could significantly contribute to identifying novel biomarkers for early diagnosis and the development of personalized treatment strategies. By supporting longitudinal studies, the biobank will also track the progression of diabetes and its complications, ultimately leading to better management and prevention strategies.
“This biobank could pave the way for more effective prevention, treatment, and management strategies, and foster collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and healthcare providers,” the article noted. The biobank is expected to play an important role in advancing global research on diabetes and contributing to the worldwide fight against this growing health epidemic.
Backed by Landmark Studies
Blood samples in the biobank are derived from two major ICMR-funded studies that have already provided valuable data on diabetes in India:
- ICMR-INDIAB Study: This comprehensive study, conducted between 2008 and 2020, is one of India’s largest epidemiological surveys on diabetes. It covered 1.2 lakh individuals across the country, including participants from both urban and rural areas. The study has provided a nationally representative dataset on the prevalence of diabetes in India.
- Registry of People with Diabetes in India at a Young Age at Onset: Launched in 2006 and ongoing, this registry has enrolled 5,546 participants with youth-onset diabetes. It is one of the largest databases of early-onset diabetes in India and is linked to 205 centers across the country.
India: The ‘Diabetes Capital of the World’
India is often referred to as the “diabetes capital of the world,” and the latest statistics highlight the severity of the crisis. According to the ICMR-INDIAB study, 10 crore Indians suffer from diabetes, and 13.6 crore have prediabetes, with India ranking among the highest globally for diabetes prevalence.
Despite the alarming figures, awareness of diabetes remains strikingly low. The study revealed that only 43.2% of Indians are aware of the disease, underscoring the need for large-scale education and awareness programs. Lifestyle factors such as sedentary behavior and poor physical activity are major contributors to the rise in diabetes cases. Less than 10% of Indians engage in regular physical activity, worsening the situation.
Diabetes prevalence in India has been on the rise for years. From 11.9% in 1990, the rate among women increased to 23.7% by 2022, while for men, it rose from 11.3% to 21.4% over the same period. Early diagnosis remains a challenge, with the average age of diagnosis being 12.9 ± 6.5 years for Type 1 and 21.7 ± 3.7 years for Type 2 diabetes.
Untreated Diabetes: A Growing Concern
An alarming 62% of diabetics in India are not receiving any form of treatment or medication, according to a 2022 Lancet study. This equates to approximately 13.3 crore untreated individuals, a situation that exacerbates complications and raises the risk of serious health issues.
Dr. Sachin Kumar Jain, Professor and Head of the Department of Endocrinology at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, emphasized that early detection and continuous care can dramatically improve diabetes outcomes. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between government bodies, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to reduce the burden of untreated diabetes and improve health literacy across India.
A Hopeful Future
The launch of India’s first diabetes biobank in Chennai marks a pivotal moment in the country’s healthcare landscape. With the growing burden of diabetes, this initiative promises to be a game-changer, offering vital resources for research, improving treatment, and ultimately saving lives.
As India continues its battle against diabetes, the establishment of this biobank is a step towards a healthier future, providing hope for millions affected by this chronic disease.
Economy
Swiggy IPO: Today is Swiggy’s IPO opening. For the ₹11,327 crore issue, should you make an order?
Swiggy IPO: The IPO has received varying assessments from analysts. Given the issue’s fair pricing, some encourage investors to subscribe, while others advise against it because of “reported negative” cash flows, continuous losses, and difficulties with the growth strategy.
Swiggy IPO: A platform for fast commerce and food delivery Today marks the opening of Swiggy’s Rs 11,324 crore IPO. It includes a new issuance worth Rs 4,500 crore and the remainder as a selling offer. Several institutional investors, including Accel India, Apoletto Asia, Alpha Wave Ventures, DST Euro Asia, and Norwest Venture Partners, are selling off a portion of their stakes in the absence of a designated promoter. Debt repayment, dark store expansion, technology advancements, marketing, and acquisition plans will all be supported by the new issue money.
Swiggy IPO: Price brand, GMP
Investors can participate in the IPO until November 8. The company has established a price range of Rs 371-390 per share, with a minimum lot size of 38 shares and additional investments in multiples thereof.
The company’s shares currently show a Grey Market Premium (GMP) of Rs 12 in unofficial trading, suggesting a modest 3% premium above the issue price.
The much-awaited mega initial public offering (IPO) of Swiggy Ltd. is opening for subscription on Wednesday, November 6, and will be available for investors to bid till November 8.
The ₹11,327 crore IPO comprises a fresh issue of 11.54 crore shares aggregating to ₹4,499 crore, while existing shareholders will sell up to 17.5 crore shares aggregating to ₹6,828 crore.
Swiggy IPO price band
The company has fixed a price band in the range of ₹371-390, where investors can bid for 38 shares in one lot.
Swiggy IPO GMP
Ahead of the IPO opening, the unlisted shares of the Softbank-backed company are trading with a GMP of ₹20, indicating muted demand for the issue.
The grey market is an unofficial ecosystem where shares start trading before the allotment in the IPO and continue till the listing day. Most investors track the GMP to get an idea of the listing price.
