Sensational!! Detecting type 2 diabetes in people in advance - IIT-Madras!!
In a major stride towards tackling the growing diabetes crisis in India, Sun Life Global Solutions (SLGS), the Global Capability Centre of the global insurance and asset management leader Sun Life, has announced a strategic research collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras).
This joint initiative aims to pioneer early diagnosis and improved clinical management of type 2 diabetes through the study of a novel biomarker and 10–12 genetic markers that could help predict diabetes risk years before its onset - even in children.
According to the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas 2025, about 11.1% (1 in 9) of adults globally live with diabetes, with over 40% unaware of their condition. In India alone, the World Health Organization estimates that 77 million adults suffer from type 2 diabetes, with another 25 million in the prediabetic stage. Shockingly, more than half of these individuals are unaware of their diabetic status, leading to serious complications when left untreated.
The IIT Madras–Sun Life research seeks to explore the use of this biomarker to identify pre-diabetes - a condition that may affect nearly 15% of India’s population. Early detection could prevent progression to full-blown diabetes and revolutionize diagnostic standards.
“We believe that fostering health is foundational to flourishing lives. Our collaboration with IIT Madras reflects this belief and our deep commitment to supporting transformative research,” said Tarun Sareen, Managing Director, Sun Life Global Solutions. “This research holds the promise to drive improved health outcomes at scale and change the future of diabetes care across the globe.”
The research will be led by Dr. Nitish R. Mahapatra, FNA, FNASc, FAHA, Professor, Department of Biotechnology and BJM School of Biosciences, IIT Madras. Dr. Mahapatra has previously led international teams that discovered genetic variations increasing susceptibility to diabetes, heart attacks, and hypertension among Indians and South Asians.
“Identifying a reliable early biomarker for pre-diabetes could lead to a paradigm shift in prevention strategies for type 2 diabetes,” said Dr. Mahapatra. “Our collaboration with Sun Life Global Solutions not only strengthens research infrastructure but ensures outcomes with meaningful, large-scale impact.”
Through its cutting-edge biomedical research facilities, IIT Madras will focus on translating scientific insights into accessible healthcare applications.
The SLGS–IIT Madras partnership underscores a shared vision of advancing healthcare innovation, shaping public health policy, and building resilient communities. The study’s findings are expected to pave the way for cost-effective diagnostics that can be integrated into primary healthcare systems, setting a new benchmark in preventive diabetes care.
