In 2025, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) officially recognized the existence of type 5 diabetes as an independent type of disease, after nearly 70 years of controversy and confusion about its nature. This decision brought back the spotlight on a disease that had remained medically invisible for many decades, especially in poor and developing countries, according to the Times Now website.
What is type 5 diabetes?
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Type 5 diabetes is not linked to obesity, an unhealthy lifestyle, pregnancy, or autoimmune disorders, as is the case with known types of diabetes. Doctors believe that the main cause of it is chronic malnutrition in the early stages of life, which leads to damage to the pancreas or incomplete development, and thus a weakening of its ability to secrete insulin.
First appearance of the disease
This condition was first observed in Jamaica during the 1950s, where it was observed among young, thin, malnourished young men. Unlike type 1 diabetics, these patients did not develop serious ketoacidosis, nor did they suffer from the insulin resistance typically associated with type 2 diabetes.
Why was it ignored?
The disease was previously known as malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM), and was briefly recognized by the World Health Organization in the 1980s, but later retracted this recognition due to a lack of scientific evidence at the time.
However, recent studies indicate that the disease may affect about 25 million people around the world, especially in low- and middle-income countries of Asia and Africa, where food insecurity is widespread.
The danger of misdiagnosis
Experts warn that diagnosing type 5 diabetes as type 1 or type 2 diabetes can be dangerous, as conventional treatment with high doses of insulin may not be effective, and may even lead to severe fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Patients often require very small doses of insulin or completely different treatment protocols.
Symptoms of type 5 diabetes
Its symptoms are similar to other types of diabetes, and include:
-Extreme thirst
– Frequent urination
-Fatigue and exhaustion
-Weight loss
– Blurred vision
-Slow wound healing
But what distinguishes it is its clear association with signs of malnutrition, such as:
-Extreme thinness
-Delayed growth or puberty (especially in young people)
-Anemia
-Weak immunity and recurrent infections
Symptoms often appear before the age of 30.
A step towards global recognition
The International Diabetes Federation has formed a specialized working group to develop: clear diagnostic criteria, precise treatment guidelines, a global patient registry, and training programs for health care providers.
Researchers stress that official recognition of type 5 diabetes will help provide funding, increase awareness, and improve diagnostic and treatment opportunities for millions of patients who have been without proper care for many years.
