India joins hands with US to conduct research on diabetes

During a bilateral meeting between India and the US recently in New Delhi, signing of an agreement  for collaboration in research on diabetes between India's Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad, and the US Secretary, Health and Human Services, Ms. Kathleen Sebelius, underlines the importance diabetes now assumes in both these countries.

As revealed by a communication of 15th June from PIB, the primary aim of this collaboration is to initiate a health research relationship between the two countries to generate a better understanding of the molecular and biological mechanisms underlying diabetes, to characterize the genetic, social and environmental determinants, and to identify innovative approaches for improving prevention and treatment of diabetes.

The two countries will promote and develop cooperation in the field of basic, clinical, and translational research in the areas of diabetes mellitus, on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit. Joint efforts will also focus on developing cost-effective tools and approaches to translate research results into policies and actions to improve the public health.

Under this collaboration joint research programs in diabetes will be developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the Department of Biotechnology of the Ministry of Science and Technology, with National Institutes of Health of the Department of Health and Human Services, United States.


The areas of cooperation span from basic research elements to diagnostic tools, prevention, treatment, telemedicine, self management to study of the impact of social, economic, cultural and environmental factors on diabetes risk and management.

A Joint Steering Committee will  be formed that will communicate regularly to identify new areas of cooperation, evaluate progress, and ensure that the joint program operates smoothly.

The agreement between India and the US is significant in view of the rising burden of Non Communicable Diseases in both countries. This is the eighth agreement between the two countries in the field of health and medicine.

Diabetes is a debilitating disease that affects tens of millions of people in the U.S. and India, and it is amongst the leading causes of death worldwide. In addition to the substantial human health costs, the estimated total financial cost for diabetes in both countries is staggering, and is projected to increase substantially in coming years.

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