Type 5 Diabetes: A New Form of Disease Recognized After Decades of Debate

A new form of diabetes, Type 5, has recognized by officials, after years of debates. This was confirmed by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) on April 8, during the World Diabetes Congress held in Bangkok.

Type 5 is unlike Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Type 5 has been associated with malnutrition as well as minimal insulin secretion, especially among the youth of poor- and middle-income families. It is not associated with obesity like the other forms but with nutritional deficiency.

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

Type 5 , which is also known as Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY), is an inherited and unusual form of the disease. Teenagers and young adults with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 19kg/m2 are primarily affected by it. The condition occurs because of a gene mutation that damages pancreatic beta cells. This harm results in poor insulin production. It is primarily found in Asian and African men who are young.

Type 5 diabetes is a form of diabetes affecting lean and malnourished teenagers and young adults in low- and middle-income countries. Here’s what to knowhttps://t.co/Rqdjalcg7E

— The Indian Express (@IndianExpress) April 17, 2025

IDF’s identification of Type 5 diabetes is extremely important. The disease had previously been underdiagnosed and misinterpreted. Physicians wrongly diagnosed patients with Type 1 diabetes, which commonly occurs in youngsters. Insulin therapy is harmful to Type 5 patients because they are incapable of metabolizing insulin properly.

Decades of Debate and Delay

Malnutrition-related diabetes was initially discovered in Jamaica in 1955. In 1985, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized it as a distinct type of diabetes. However, in 1999, WHO dropped the classification because of insufficient evidence. The recent acknowledgment of Type 5 by the IDF is an important step towards tackling this prevalent health issue.

Meredith Hawkins, a pioneering researcher, noted that the absence of an official diagnosis frustrated research and treatment of this disease. Without identification, physicians did not have the expertise to effectively treat the condition.

Global Prevalence of Type 5 Diabetes

Experts project that Type 5 diabetes reaches as many as 25 million individuals around the globe. It primarily affects malnourished young adults in impoverished communities with inadequate access to nutritious food. Dr. Nihal Thomas of Christian Medical College in India described the disease as usually being associated with nutritional deficiencies, such as a protein and essential vitamin lack.

Type 5 patients require more protein-rich diets and less carbohydrate intake. Physicians, though, have to continue researching effective treatment regimens.

The IDF’s identification of this disease acknowledges the need for research and awareness immediately. Patients usually pass away within a year of diagnosis, so efforts in treatment are paramount.

Research and Treatment

Now that Type 5 is now accepted, scientists need to turn their attention to treatment. Physicians are not sure how to treat the illness. Changing the diet, with greater protein and less carbohydrate content, could be beneficial. More research is needed to determine the best solution.

The official declaration of Type 5 diabetes provides a new outlook on diabetes management, particularly in developing nations. The condition needs more research and international attention to enhance diagnosis and treatment.