Research
Evidence that reaches the field
DREAM Academy advances diabetes and metabolic medicine through ethically conducted projects, publications, collaborations, and community-centred enquiry — so science informs care where it is needed most.
Our research portfolio spans epidemiology, lifestyle intervention, health-worker training, and service delivery. Work begins in camps and clinics across Uttar Pradesh and is designed to generate practical insights for clinicians, educators, and community partners.
Active programmes
Ongoing projects
Live studies that combine field screening, clinician oversight, and structured follow-up — building evidence while delivering counselling and referral support.
- OngoingStarted Sept 2024
Prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in rural Barabanki
A cross-sectional screening study examining diabetes prevalence among adults in underserved blocks of Barabanki district.
- This study examines the prevalence of undiagnosed type 2 diabetes among adults aged 30 and above in rural blocks of Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh.
- Data is collected through structured screening camps using standardised glucose testing protocols and follow-up counselling for at-risk individuals.
- Findings will inform targeted outreach and referral pathways for communities with limited access to metabolic care.
PI · Dr. Kumar Prafull Chandra
- OngoingStarted Jun 2024
Community-based lifestyle intervention pilot
Evaluating structured nutrition counselling and physical activity programmes for adults at elevated metabolic risk.
- A 12-week pilot programme providing nutrition education, physical activity guidance, and monthly follow-up for adults identified at metabolic risk during screening camps.
- The intervention is delivered by trained community health workers with physician oversight from DREAM Academy faculty.
PI · Dr. Kumar Prafull Chandra
Finished work
Completed studies
Completed programmes whose findings already inform awareness materials, physician teaching, and the design of later screening and lifestyle initiatives.
- CompletedMar 2023
Metabolic syndrome screening in peri-urban Lucknow
Epidemiological assessment of metabolic syndrome prevalence in peri-urban residential communities.
Completed screening study across peri-urban communities in Lucknow examining waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and lipid profiles.
Results contributed to community awareness programmes and physician training materials.
PI · Dr. Kumar Prafull Chandra
Additional completed camp analyses and training evaluations are summarised in our publications and abstracts below as manuscripts and conference outputs are prepared.
Peer outputs
Publications
Papers and practice-facing write-ups that document screening outcomes, training models, and patient-education approaches emerging from Academy programmes.
Journal of Public Health · 2024
Community health worker training for metabolic screening
Chandra KP, et al.
A structured training module for community health workers supporting glucose screening and lifestyle counselling in field camps.
Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism · 2024
Screening outcomes from rural diabetes camps in Uttar Pradesh
Chandra KP, Verma SK, Mishra AK
DOI: 10.4103/ijem.ijem_123_24
Background: Rural populations in Uttar Pradesh face significant barriers to diabetes screening and early diagnosis.
Results: Undiagnosed diabetes was identified in 18.4% of screened adults; referral completion rates improved with on-site counselling.
Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome · 2023
Metabolic syndrome prevalence in peri-urban Lucknow
Chandra KP, Verma SK
Cross-sectional analysis of metabolic syndrome prevalence in peri-urban residential communities in Lucknow.
Clinical Practice Guidelines · 2023
Patient education materials for type 2 diabetes management
DREAM Academy Research Group
Evidence-based patient education booklet covering diet, physical activity, medication adherence, and complication warning signs.
Conference science
Abstracts
Selected abstracts and posters shared at national and regional meetings — often the first step before a full manuscript — capturing camp epidemiology, training design, and lifestyle counselling signals.
2024
Undiagnosed diabetes burden in rural screening camps: interim findings from Barabanki
National Metabolic Health Symposium · Abstract
Interim analysis of structured community screening suggesting a substantial undiagnosed diabetes load among adults aged 30+, with counselling improving early referral uptake.
2024
Training community health workers for capillary glucose screening in field settings
UP Public Health Conclave · Poster abstract
Describes a practical curriculum covering standardised testing, risk communication, documentation, and warm referral pathways from camp to clinic.
2023
Lifestyle counselling outcomes after peri-urban metabolic risk identification
Diabetes Care Education Meet · Oral abstract
Reports short-term behavioural and follow-up indicators after nutrition and activity counselling offered during residential community camps in Lucknow.
Study designs
Clinical trials & interventional work
DREAM Academy focuses on pragmatic, ethics-reviewed studies that strengthen screening, education, and lifestyle support — not speculative product trials. Registrations and investigator details are published when protocols clear review.
Current orientation
Most Academy studies are observational or pragmatic interventional pilots embedded in community camps and clinic workflows. Participants receive counselling and referral support as part of programme delivery; research elements never replace clinically indicated care.
Where a formal trial registration or ethics committee identifier applies, those details are listed here alongside status once available for public reference.
- Prospective observational cohorts nested within screening camps
- Pragmatic lifestyle and education intervention pilots
- Quality-improvement audits of referral and follow-up pathways
- Secondary analysis of de-identified camp datasets for service planning
Partnerships
Research collaborations
We welcome ethical partnerships that improve metabolic care delivery — with clinicians, universities, civic groups, and training networks who share a commitment to community benefit and transparent methods.
Clinical partners
Physicians and clinics help design protocols that fit real outpatient workflows and rural referral realities.
Academic centres
Faculty collaborations support methodology, biostatistics, manuscript development, and trainee mentoring.
Community organisations
Local civic groups and village leadership enable culturally appropriate recruitment and sustained follow-up.
Training networks
CME and fellowship pathways connect research findings back into everyday metabolic care teaching.
How to collaborate
Share a brief concept note covering objectives, population, methods, ethics pathway, and expected community benefit. Suitable proposals are reviewed for scientific merit, feasibility in camp or clinic settings, and alignment with DREAM Academy’s mission.
Standards
Ethics & research policy
Integrity, participant dignity, and community benefit guide every study. DREAM Academy expects proposals and field activities to meet clear ethical standards before data collection begins.
Informed consent
Participants receive clear information in accessible language on purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and the right to withdraw.
Ethics review
Protocols involving human participants proceed only after appropriate institutional ethics review and risk assessment.
Privacy & data protection
Identifiable health information is minimised, secured, and used only for stated research or care-improvement purposes.
Transparent reporting
Methods, limitations, and outcomes are reported honestly — including negative or inconclusive findings.
Equity of benefit
Studies prioritise questions that can improve care for underserved communities, not only academic metrics.
Conflict disclosure
Funding sources, partnerships, and potential conflicts of interest are disclosed in proposals and publications.
Questions about ethics review, data governance, or collaborative protocols can be directed through our contact channels. We will point you to the appropriate clinical, administrative, or academic lead.