To build a first-of-its-kind large-scale Genetic Map for the Indian Population
we seek donations from donors as well as corporates
Diabetes is silently becoming India’s next health emergency. We at ICIRC are innovating a Presymptomatic Genetic Prediction Tool that uses patients own genome data to identify risk well before the diabetes affects the individual. The outcome of the research wil keep the individual healthy, the family burden free, benefit the society at large, and assist the government to formulate appropriate strategies and policies at national level.
Donations and CSR Support
Mapping of genetic biomarkers for prediction of diabetes and diabetic retinopathy
Together, let’s not just restore sight.
Let’s protect it before it’s lost.
Together, let’s not just restore sight.
Let’s protect it before it’s lost.
A Nation on the Edge: Predicting Diabetes Before It Strikes
- Predicting diabetes before it strikes is extremely crucial because.
- A recent study revealed a striking reality — 1 in every 5 Indians over the age of 45 has diabetes, and nearly 40% are unaware of their condition. With over 50 million adults already affected, India now stands at the frontline of a growing health crisis that silently damages lives, families, and communities.
- What makes this alarming is not just the numbers, but the invisibility of the disease. Diabetes often progresses quietly until it manifests through severe complications — one of the most devastating being Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of preventable blindness in working-age adults.
- In India, 1 in every 3 diabetics is at risk of going blind, often without any warning signs.
From Crisis to Clarity: The Mission at ICIRC
- At Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Centre (ICIRC), we are determined to change this story. Our project, “Innovating Presymptomatic Prediction Genetic Tool for Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy,” aims to build a first-of-its-kind Genetic Map for the Indian population.
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By integrating genetic variants and Biomarkers, we seek to predict — even before symptoms appear.
- Who among the “healthy” population is likely to develop diabetes, and
- Who among known diabetics is predisposed to Diabetic Retinopathy
- A blood test performed only once in a lifetime, enabling early prevention, timely lifestyle changes, and life and sight-saving interventions.
Why This Research Matters
This is not just about medical innovation; it’s about protecting
lives and livelihoods
- For the individual, it means knowing the risk early and taking control of lifestyle and health before diabetes strikes.
- For the family, it means avoiding emotional and financial strain caused by chronic illness and long-term disability.
- For the society, it means healthier, more productive communities that can focus on living — not surviving disease.
- For the government at large, it means access to powerful genetic and public health data that can guide strategy making, policy-formulating like screening programs, and preventive clinics thus reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
- Our study’s outcomes will help design targeted, evidencebased public health policies, and drive community screening initiatives across India — creating a roadmap toward a more sustainable healthcare future.
Building a Healthier Tomorrow
- Develop predictive genetic tool for early detection.
- Enable large-scale community screening in high-risk regions like Gujarat, Punjab etc.,
- Establish a dedicated Indian Genetic Database for diabetes and DR.
- Train young researchers in genomics, bioinformatics, and translational biomarker science.
- By shifting from a “one-size-fits-all” approach to a personalized and predictive model of care, we can reduce blindness, improve quality of life, and build a more resilient society.
Our Goals
- Study 10,000 individuals from the society to understand their genetic and serum markers for diabetes and DR.
- Build a Western Indian Region-specific genetic database for diabetes risk.
- Identify common biomarkers and gene variants responsible for Diabetes and DR.
- Develop a predictive tool usable by general physicians and health workers.
- Enable public health programs to take pre-emptive actions before vision is lost.
Steps to Achieve Goals
Clinical Database
We already have clinical base with a large diabetic population
For Population with Base Data
Our team has already established analytical pipelines and created prototypes for 10000 individuals from western India
Generous Support
Generous donation and support will surely enable us to achieve the first-ever genetic mapping of population in western India
CSR Impact and Social Return
0.0007%
How You Can Help
- This is a large-scale, high-impact national project addressing one of India’s most urgent health challenges that requires active involvement and financial support at multiple levels — from individuals, institutions, and government bodies alike.
- Together, we can empower individuals, protect families, strengthen society, and assist the government in shaping policies that prevent diabetes before it begins.
- Every contribution, whether big or small, fuels a part of this transformative initiative - Innovating Presymptomatic Genetic Prediction Tool for Diabetes and Diabetic Retinopathy.
- This helps us move one step closer to a future where no Indian loses vision to diabetes.
Our Tasks - Your Contribution:
- Donations are welcome for the entire project or for specific components and tasks. Your support will help translate this mission into a nationwide health impact.
| Proposed Tasks | Proposed Budget |
| Community Outreach Program (for Screening of Diabetes ~50000 individuals) | ₹ 0.35 Cr |
| Equipment and Infrastructure for Genome Analysis (~10000 blood samples) | ₹ 12.30 Cr |
| High-throughput NGS platform for whole exome/genome sequencing (NovaSeq6000,Illumina) | |
| Serum-based biomarker discovery and peptide/protein profiling (Q-TOF MS System + UPLC) | |
| Lab Infrastructure & Setup (Electricals, benches, UPS, nitrogen generators, cold storage, centrifuges) | |
| DNA/RNA quality control and integrity analysis (Agilent 4200 TapeStation) | |
| Cloud Computing & Data Storage (Long-term storage of raw reads, variant files, proteomics data, ~1PB) | |
| High-End Workstations & Servers (Bioinformatics pipelines, sample tracking, LIMS integration) | |
| Genomic Sequencing Consumables (WES library prep, capture, sequencing) | ₹10.5 Cr |
| Library Prep + Capture Kits | |
| Flow Cells (NovaSeq S4, ~2500 exomes/run) | |
| QC Reagents (TapeStation kits) | |
| DNA Extraction & Misc Reagents | |
| Molecular (Proteomic) Biomarker Analysis (Serum) | ₹1.5 Cr |
| Sample Prep, Depletion Kits | |
| UPLC Columns, Buffers, Tips | |
| Q-TOF Consumables (Chips, Columns, Solvents) | |
| Reference Standards & ELISA Kits | |
| Manpower (5 Years) | ₹4.2 Cr |
| Scientists | |
| Bioinformaticians | |
| Technicians | |
| Total Budget (for 5 Years) | ₹28.85 Cr |
Your donations are eligible for
Bank details for donations:
| In favour of | Iladevi Cataract and Intra Ocular Lens Research Centre |
| Name of Bank | State Bank of India |
| Account No. | 10073146429 |
| IFSC | SBIN0001063 |
| MICR Code | 380002051 |
| Branch | Gujarat University Campus Area |