Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in India: Evolving Biomarkers and Emerging Combination Therapy Strategies

Abstract

According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF Diabetes Atla) and  Indian Council of Medical Research-India Diabetes (ICMR-INDIAB)  study, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remains a major public health issue with a considerable impact on human life, affecting over India, there are approximately 89.8 million adults living with diabetes (20‑79 years) as per the IDF Diabetes Atlas and ICMR-INDIAB and 589 million adults aged 20‑79 globally are living with diabetes as of 2024/2025. In 2024, just over four in ten (42.8%; 251.7 million adults living with diabetes (20–79 years) were undiagnosed. The projection for India by 2025 is that it will increase by up to 75% under T2DM conditions. The figure goes from 89.9 million in 2024, and this number will increase to 156.7 million in 2050, keeping India in second position. In recent decades, researchers have discovered a variety of blood-based biomarkers that offer valuable insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). These biomarkers play a crucial role in tracking the disease’s progression—from the early stages of insulin resistance and prediabetes to full-blown diabetes and advanced, end-stage complications. In this review, we look at how promising biomarkers can be useful in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). We also discuss how these biomarkers can help create more personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs. Additionally, we highlight the combination drugs available in the Indian market that are used to treat T2DM and its related complications.