Type 1 diabetes in India: Overall insights

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Public Health

Background:

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) incidence is rising globally at 3-5% annually, presenting a significant public health concern.
• India reports new T1DM cases in children, with varying prevalence rates across different regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the increasing trend of Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) globally and in India.
• To underscore the importance of the prediabetes phase for early intervention strategies.
• To provide an overview of diabetes in the young through the Registry of People with diabetes in India with young age at onset (YDR).

Main Methods:

• Review of global and Indian T1DM incidence and prevalence data.
• Discussion of T1DM etiology, including autoimmune, idiopathic, genetic, environmental, and immune regulatory factors.
• Examination of the prediabetes phase and potential interventions.

Main Results:

• T1DM shows a consistent annual increase, necessitating heightened awareness and research.
• Prediabetes represents a crucial window for therapeutic interventions before irreversible pancreatic beta-cell destruction.
• The YDR registry aims to consolidate data on young-onset diabetes in India.

Conclusions:

• T1DM management requires a balance between insulin therapy and lifestyle adjustments to prevent complications.
• Early detection and intervention in the prediabetes stage are vital for potentially altering T1DM progression.
• Understanding the epidemiology and risk factors of T1DM in the young is crucial for public health initiatives in India.