Asik SyedIn a significant development for global health, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially recognized Type 5 diabetes as a distinct medical condition. This announcement came during the World Diabetes Congress held in Bangkok and marks a turning point for a disease that has long affected millions yet remained largely invisible on the global health radar.
What Is Type 5 Diabetes?
Type 5 diabetes is a form of diabetes linked directly to malnutrition. Unlike the more commonly known Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, this type is not driven by insulin resistance or autoimmune destruction. Instead, it stems from a severe impairment in insulin secretion. The condition predominantly affects lean, undernourished teenagers and young adults—especially in low- and middle-income regions across Asia and Africa. Experts estimate that between 20 to 25 million people worldwide are living with this form of diabetes.
A Look Back: The Historical Trail
The roots of Type 5 diabetes can be traced back to 1955, when it was first reported in Jamaica and referred to as “J-type diabetes.” Through the 1960s, similar cases began appearing among undernourished populations in countries such as India, Pakistan, and various parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Although the World Health Organization (WHO) gave it formal recognition in 1985, it was removed from official classifications in 1999 due to a lack of sustained research and clinical follow-up.
Why It’s Different—and Why That Matters
Recent research underscores the unique characteristics of Type 5 diabetes. While insulin therapy is critical for Type 1 diabetes, the same treatment can actually harm patients with Type 5. The disease’s underlying mechanism—a defect in insulin secretion—demands a different therapeutic strategy. This new understanding has triggered a reassessment of both diagnosis and treatment approaches for affected populations.
IDF’s Response: Building a Framework
With mounting awareness, the IDF has launched a dedicated working group tasked with developing formal diagnostic and treatment guidelines. Over the next two years, the group will focus on establishing clear criteria for diagnosing the condition, defining clinical protocols, and building a global registry. This registry will be crucial in supporting future research and enhancing education among healthcare providers.
Addressing the Gaps
Historically, Type 5 diabetes has gone underdiagnosed—despite being more prevalent than tuberculosis and nearly as common as HIV/AIDS. The lack of official recognition has hindered efforts to provide effective care. The new working group aims to close this gap by producing targeted educational resources and clinical training modules for medical professionals.
Neha Baruah
