What Is Type 5 Diabetes? Exploring the Disease Affecting Millions Worldwide

What Is Type 5 Diabetes? Exploring the Disease Affecting Millions Worldwide

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Earlier this year, an international gathering of experts in India identified a new form of diabetes impacting a significant portion of the global population. Primarily attributed to malnutrition, this condition has been designated as type 5 diabetes. During the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) World Diabetes Congress 2025, IDF President Professor Peter Schwarz revealed the establishment of a working group tasked with creating criteria and guidelines for type 5 diabetes.

What is type 5 diabetes?

The International Diabetes Federation reports that type 5 diabetes impacts over 20 to 25 million individuals globally, with a significant concentration in Africa and Asia. This form of diabetes arises from high levels of insulin deficiency and inadequate metabolic regulation, primarily affecting lean and malnourished adolescents and young adults in low- and middle-income nations. Additionally, it is advisable to consult a doctor for expert recommendations on protecting kidney health for those with diabetes.

In contrast to type 1 and type 2 diabetes, type 5 diabetes is linked to prolonged exposure to severe malnutrition, particularly during critical developmental stages in childhood and adolescence. The International Diabetes Federation notes on its official website that this condition is thought to result from compromised pancreatic development due to extended periods of nutrient deficiency.

Type 5 diabetes is caused by malnourishment.

Type 5 diabetes has been largely overlooked:

Although type 5 diabetes has been recognized for the past 70 years, it has received minimal attention in global health conversations. Initially identified in the mid-20th century, type 5 diabetes has frequently been misclassified as either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Earlier hypotheses also proposed that the onset of type 5 diabetes could be linked to insulin resistance.

Signs of type 5 diabetes:

Insulin deficiency is a primary factor contributing to type 5 diabetes. Individuals diagnosed with type 5 diabetes do not exhibit insulin resistance; however, they may experience a deficiency in insulin. The symptoms of this condition can be effectively managed through the use of oral medications and insulin injections. The International Diabetes Federation noted that since type 5 diabetes predominantly occurs in low-resource environments, this cost-effective strategy could be crucial for areas already facing challenges in addressing the increasing prevalence of this condition.

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