A recent study conducted by doctors at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGI) has revealed that one in every three individuals with diabetes eventually develops chronic kidney disease (CKD), potentially progressing to renal failure and cardiovascular complications.
Breakthrough Research in Early CKD Detection
Professor Swasti Tiwari, Head of the Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, shared that the study was carried out at the ICMR Centre of Advanced Research and Excellence (CARE) within her department. “Our findings underline the importance of early detection for timely intervention and management of CKD,” she said.
Non-Invasive Biomarkers Hold Diagnostic Potential
Prof. Tiwari highlighted a major scientific advancement, stating that the team had identified specific biomarkers that can predict the onset of CKD even before symptoms appear. She added that these biomarkers reside within nanosized vesicles—thousands of times smaller than a human hair—present in urine, making the detection process completely non-invasive.
Large-Scale Community-Based Study
Initiated in 2019, the study recruited nearly 1,000 diabetic patients from community settings in Lucknow and Puducherry. Researchers tracked their health over a five-year period to monitor kidney function and the emergence of CKD indicators.
Recognition and Intellectual Property
In a significant achievement, the team filed a patent for this innovation in March 2024. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) acknowledged the discovery in its 2023–24 annual report. Prof. Tiwari also noted that SGPGI’s Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology Laboratory was the first in India to demonstrate the clinical relevance of urine exosomes in kidney disease detection.
National Efforts for Capacity Building
Beyond research, the department spearheaded efforts to build diagnostic capacity across India. It organized two national-level workshops to transfer the advanced diagnostic skills developed through the CARE project.
Collaborative Team Effort
As reported by TOI, the research was supported by a multidisciplinary team from SGPGI, including Dr. Dharmendra K. Chaudhary, Dr. Sukhanshi Khandpal, Dr. Deendayal Mishra, and Dr. Biswajeet Sahoo, along with project staff from the Department of Community Medicine, PMIS, Puducherry.
This pioneering work opens new avenues for the early detection of CKD in diabetic patients. It also strengthens India’s capability in non-invasive diagnostic innovation.