New Delhi, April 14, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Introduction: A Forgotten Form of Diabetes Re-emerges
Amidst the rising tide of Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes worldwide, a rare, under-researched condition called Type-5 diabetes is resurfacing in global health discussions. Recently re-designated at the International Diabetes Federation’s World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, this form of diabetes is now getting the attention it was denied for decades.
What is Type-5 Diabetes?
Type-5 diabetes, also known as malnutrition-related diabetes, primarily affects lean and malnourished teenagers and young adults, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. It’s characterized not by insulin resistance (as seen in Type-2), but by a severe deficiency in the body’s ability to produce insulin.
Historical Context: From J-Type to Type-5
- 1955: First identified in Jamaica, known then as J-type diabetes.
- 1960s: Reported in India, Pakistan, and sub-Saharan Africa among undernourished populations.
- 1985: Recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a separate form of diabetes.
- 1999: WHO withdrew recognition due to a lack of long-term studies.
- 2025: At the IDF World Diabetes Congress, it was officially renamed Type-5 diabetes.
How Is It Different from Type 1 and Type 2?
| Feature | Type-1 Diabetes | Type-2 Diabetes | Type-5 Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Autoimmune | Insulin resistance | Malnutrition-related insulin deficiency |
| Affected Individuals | Mostly children, teens | Mostly adults, linked to obesity | Malnourished teens and young adults |
| Insulin Use | Required for survival | Sometimes required | Insulin injections can be dangerous |
| Region | Worldwide | Worldwide | Predominantly Asia and Africa |
Scientific Insight: A Fundamental Misunderstanding
According to Professor Meredith Hawkins from the Global Diabetes Institute at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Type-5 diabetes had long been mistaken for a form of insulin resistance. However, their 2022 study in the journal Diabetes Care found that:
“People with this form of diabetes have a profound defect in the capacity to secrete insulin, which wasn’t recognized before.”
This revelation changes how the condition is diagnosed and managed.
The Global Impact: A Silent Epidemic
- Estimated to affect 20 to 25 million people globally.
- More prevalent than tuberculosis, and almost as common as HIV/AIDS in some regions.
- Underdiagnosed due to lack of formal recognition and diagnostic guidelines.
Why Is Type-5 Diabetes Resurfacing Now?
The resurgence in attention stems from:
- New research redefining the biological mechanism of the disease.
- Alarming prevalence in underprivileged regions.
- International medical bodies acknowledging the need for standardized care.
The Role of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF)
In response to the growing awareness, the IDF has formed a specialized working group with the following tasks:
Goals of the Type-5 Diabetes Working Group:
- Define diagnostic criteria tailored to malnutrition-linked diabetes.
- Develop therapeutic guidelines that avoid harmful standard insulin regimens.
- Establish a global patient registry to support long-term research.
- Create educational modules for healthcare providers globally.
According to Professor Hawkins:
“The lack of an official name has hindered efforts to diagnose patients or find effective therapies.”
Challenges in Diagnosis and Treatment
Despite increasing recognition, many medical professionals remain unsure how to manage this condition. The main challenges include:
- Misdiagnosis as Type-1 or Type-2 diabetes.
- Risk of hypoglycemia with standard insulin therapies.
- Lack of healthcare infrastructure in regions most affected.
What’s Next?
The next two years will be critical as the IDF working group aims to create formal global clinical protocols for diagnosing and treating Type-5 diabetes. Experts also call for increased investment in awareness campaigns and research partnerships.
FAQs About Type-5 Diabetes
What causes Type-5 diabetes?
Type-5 diabetes is primarily caused by chronic malnutrition, which leads to an underdeveloped pancreas and poor insulin production.
Who is most at risk?
Young adults and teenagers living in resource-poor countries with high rates of undernutrition are most at risk.
Is insulin therapy safe for Type-5 diabetes?
No. Unlike Type-1 diabetes, these patients may react poorly to insulin therapy, sometimes experiencing life-threatening hypoglycemia.
Can Type-5 diabetes be cured?
There is no cure yet, but treatment protocols focusing on nutritional rehabilitation and tailored diabetic care are being explored.
Where is Type-5 diabetes most prevalent?
Primarily in South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and other low-income regions with high levels of malnutrition.
What is the IDF doing about it?
The IDF has created a global task force to standardize diagnosis, develop safe treatments, and raise global awareness.
A Long-Neglected Condition Finds a Voice
Type-5 diabetes is not new—but only now is the global medical community giving it the attention it deserves. With millions potentially affected and many still undiagnosed, awareness, education, and research are crucial to combat this unique and deadly condition. The re-recognition of Type-5 diabetes may mark the beginning of a global health shift—finally giving a name, face, and treatment pathway to a long-ignored epidemic.
