Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, that acts like a key to let glucose from the food we eat pass from the blood stream into the cells in the body to produce energy. All carbohydrate foods are broken down into glucose in the blood. Insulin helps glucose get into the cells.  

Not being able to produce insulin or use it effectively leads to raised glucose levels in the blood (known as hyperglycaemia). Over the long-term high glucose levels are associated with damage to the body and failure of various organs and tissues. 

Diabetes mellitus, a major lifestyle disease is undoubtedly the most challenging public health problem of 21st century with a worldwide prevalence of 388 million (8.3%) and predicted to be 592 million by 2035. 

Although worrisome statistics, considering the inherent variability in biological phenomenon and widespread interventions for control of disease, these estimated extrapolations and predictions may prove tentative in relation to the potential burden that diabetes may impose upon the country. 

Indians have a peculiar genetic composition and Asian Indian phenotype that predisposes them to have higher propensity to metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease.