To provide evidence based knowledge on Diabetes and its complications and their determinants.

To obtain accurate prevalence data on diabetes and its various complications, to study markers for atherosclerosis and insulin resistance and to explore avenues for prevention of diabetes.

CHENNAI URBAN POPULATION STUDY (CUPS)

CUPS is a population-based study carried out on 1262 individuals, 479 belonging to the middle income group [Asiad Colony] and 783 from a low income group [Bharathi Nagar colony] in Chennai. CUPS demonstrated that nearly 12% of the Chennai residents had diabetes and 5.9% had pre-diabetes. These figures are six times higher than that reported in 1970’s. Nearly 20 publications have come from CUPS.

CHENNAI URBAN RURAL EPIDEMIOLOGY STUDY – (CURES)

RISING PREVALENCE OF DIABETES IN CHENNAI CITY: 

CURES gave us a unique opportunity to compare the secular trends of diabetes in the Chennai over the last two decades. From 1989 to 2004 prevalence of diabetes increased by 72.3% in urban Chennai.

CURES also looked at the development of a risk score for diabetes prediction and prevention. One simple way of screening a large population for type 2 diabetes is by development of a simple risk score based on data that can be routinely used at the primary care level. Indian Diabetes Risk Score [IDRS] was developed based on the phase 3 data from CURES. Using statistical analysis, we determined the risk factors, which best predicted diabetes. The IDRS is based on the answers to four simple questions and a simple measurement.

Source : Dr. V. Mohan, et al, J Assoc Physicians India, 2003

Prevalence and significance of generalized and central body obesity in Asian Indians

This study has determined prevalence of generalized and abdominal obesity in urban Asian Indians and compared the association of body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) with metabolic risk variables. In Asian Indians, prevalence of combined obesity is high among both sexes, while isolated generalized obesity is more common in men and isolated abdominal obesity, more common in women. However, these prevalence rates vary markedly depending on cut points used. Waist circumference (WC) is a better marker of obesity related metabolic risk than BMI in women compared to men in this population.

NAFLD, Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome

This study estimated the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its association with type 2 diabetes (DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS) in an urban south Indian population. NAFLD is present in a third of urban Asian Indians and its prevalence increases with increasing severity of glucose intolerance and in MS. This is the first population-based prevalence of NAFLD from south Asia that faces the brunt of the diabetes epidemic.

Surveillance for cardiovascular disease risk factors among the south Indian Industrial population

The objectives of this study is (1) to assess the cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in industrial population in Chennai, south India and (2) to see whether the status of treatment and control of diabetes and hypertension would be different in an industrial population where free health care is provided compared to the general population of Chennai. Our findings emphasize the following: (1)The prevalence of CVD is high in industrial population of Chennai. (2) Although the overall treatment and control of diabetes and hypertension is better than general population, it is still inadequate and this emphasizes the need for greater awareness about non-communicable diseases.

Anthropometric cut points for identification of cardio metabolic risk factors in an urban Asian Indian population

The aim of this study was to determine the anthropometric cut points for risk of cardiometabolic risk factors in an urban Asian Indian population. From the findings, we suggest that the optimal BMI cut point for identifying any 2 cardiometabolic risk factors was 23 kg/m2 in both sexes, whereas that of waist circumference (WC) was 87 cm for men and 82 cm for women. The study validates the World Health Organization Asia Pacific guidelines of BMI of 23 kg/m2 for the designation of overweight; waist circumference (WC) of 87 cm for men and 82 cm for women appear to be appropriate cut points to identify cardiometabolic risk factors including prediabetes in urban Asian Indians.

Family Genetic Study

Large families with several diabetic subjects were selected from the pedigrees collected from CURES and all the adult family members (aged ≥ 20 years) were invited to participate in this study to determine the genetics basis of diabetes and its complications. 

Early Detection of Atherosclerosis

The techniques that have been standardized at our centre to identify the atherosclerotic disease process include Endothelial Dysfunction analysis and Arterial Stiffness assessment to detect functional changes of atherosclerosis and Intima Medial thickness to detect structural changes. For the first time these investigations were performed in India and normal values obtained from the population. These early changes occur at mm range and to identify these changes accurately, a unique software has been developed which helps detecting the disease and also monitoring the changes in response to treatment.

Body fat distribution: Validation of its measurement and role in diabetes