IIT-OMC Research Finds Biomarkers That Can Predict Onset of Diabetic Kidney Disease

Hyderabad:Researchers have identified early blood biomarkers that can predict the onset of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) long before symptoms appear, said a study. This is aimed at helping the youth identify their health risks early.

The joint study was led by Prof Pramod Wangikar of IIT Bombay along with Osmania General Hospital superintendent Dr Rakesh Kumar Sahay and Dr Manisha Sahay from Osmania Medical College in collaboration with Clarity Bio Systems.

It used a scientific approach known as metabolomics — the study of small molecules in blood — to detect biochemical changes that indicate kidney damage risk in people with diabetes.

For the study, blood samples were collected from 52 volunteers at Osmania General Hospital between June 2021 and July 2022, including healthy individuals, Type 2 diabetes patients, and those with diabetic kidney disease.

Using advanced techniques, researchers analysed nearly 300 metabolites and identified 26 that were distinctly different between diabetic and healthy individuals.

Analysis revealed seven key metabolites — such as arabitol, myo-inositol, ribothymidine, and 2PY — that progressively increased from healthy to diabetic to DKD patients, suggesting a potential early warning system for kidney complications.

“These biochemical markers can help us detect kidney problems years before standard tests show abnormalities,” said Dr Manisha Sahay, adding that the findings could pave the way for personalised diabetes management.

The researchers added that diabetes affects multiple metabolic pathways beyond blood sugar and that standard tests may miss early biochemical disruptions.

Dr Rakesh Kumar Sahay told Deccan Chronicle: “The study with IIT Bombay is an ongoing process. The main aim is to assist the younger population which is prone to Type 2 Diabetes and their longevity. Though compared to western countries that age is 50 to get diabetes, in India it is starting from 30 years.”

He said that in layman terms, their study would help the younger generation identify risk of diseases along with Diabetes Type 2 at appropriate time, without having to wait for years. “Then you can see preventable changes through lifestyle or medications.”

Dr Manisha Sahay added, “This is preliminary research and it is too early to draw conclusions. Larger studies will be needed before any robust conclusions can be drawn. Only further research can show if these molecules can detect kidney disease earlier than traditional tests.”

The Osmania Medical College team plans to expand the study to a larger group to develop affordable diagnostic tests that could one day help doctors in India detect kidney risks early and tailor treatment accordingly.