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.