India’s First Diabetes Biobank

India’s first diabetes biobank has been established at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) in Chennai in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).  It will serve as a critical resource for advancing research on prevention, management, and treatment of diabetes.

Key Features of Diabetes Biobank

Purpose: It will serve as a repository of biological samples collected from diverse populations to support scientific research.

Functions:

  • Collect, process, store, and distribute biospecimens for ongoing and future studies.
  • Stores blood samples related to various forms of diabetes, including Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Gestational Diabetes (GDM).

About Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin or the body’s failure to use insulin effectively.

Role of Insulin: It is a hormone that regulates blood glucose levels. Its dysfunction leads to hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), which, over time, causes damage to organs and tissues.

Health Impacts: It is a major contributor to blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputations.

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes:

Nature: Autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Management: Daily insulin administration is necessary.

Symptoms:

  • Excessive urination (polyuria).
  • Extreme thirst (polydipsia).
  • Constant hunger, unexplained weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue.

Demographics: Primarily affects children and young adults, previously referred to as juvenile diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes:

Nature: Caused by the body’s ineffective use of insulin, despite its production.

Prevalence: Accounts for 95% of all diabetes cases globally.

Primary Causes:

  • Excess body weight.
  • Lack of physical activity.

Symptoms: Often less severe and undiagnosed for years, leading to delayed treatment.

Gestational Diabetes (GDM):

Nature: High blood glucose levels during pregnancy.

Complications: Can impact both mother and child.

Post-Pregnancy Risks: Increased likelihood of developing Type 2 Diabetes for both mother and child.

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