Type 5 Diabetes

Source: TOI

Context: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) formally recognised Type 5 Diabetes — a malnutrition-related form of diabetes at the World Diabetes Congress 2024 held in Bangkok.

About Type 5 Diabetes:

• What is Type 5 Diabetes?

• A form of diabetes primarily linked to severe malnutrition. Common in young, thin individuals from low- and middle-income countries. Affects an estimated 20–25 million people, especially in Asia and Africa.

• A form of diabetes primarily linked to severe malnutrition.

• Common in young, thin individuals from low- and middle-income countries.

• Affects an estimated 20–25 million people, especially in Asia and Africa.

• Causes:

• Protein-energy malnutrition during critical growth years. Long-term dietary deficiencies, particularly in protein and micronutrients. Possibly linked to early-life undernutrition and poor metabolic adaptation.

• Protein-energy malnutrition during critical growth years.

• Long-term dietary deficiencies, particularly in protein and micronutrients.

• Possibly linked to early-life undernutrition and poor metabolic adaptation.

• Symptoms:

• Sudden weight loss or consistently low weight. Frequent urination and excessive thirst (common to all types). Symptoms mimic Type 1 diabetes but respond differently to insulin therapy.

• Sudden weight loss or consistently low weight.

• Frequent urination and excessive thirst (common to all types).

• Symptoms mimic Type 1 diabetes but respond differently to insulin therapy.

• How It Differs from Other Types of Diabetes?

Type | Key Characteristic | Main Cause | Common Profile

Type 1 | Insulin deficiency | Autoimmune | Children, young adults

Type 2 | Insulin resistance | Obesity, lifestyle | Middle-aged, obese adults

Type 5 | Insulin deficiency (due to malnutrition) | Severe malnutrition | Lean youth, low BMI (<18.5)

• Not autoimmune like Type 1, and not obesity-driven like Type 2.

• Standard insulin therapy may cause dangerously low sugar levels.

• Treatment: No global standard yet, but promising strategies include: Small doses of insulin combined with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Nutritional support: High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. Correction of micronutrient deficiencies through supplements.

• No global standard yet, but promising strategies include: Small doses of insulin combined with oral hypoglycemic drugs. Nutritional support: High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets. Correction of micronutrient deficiencies through supplements.

• Small doses of insulin combined with oral hypoglycemic drugs.

• Nutritional support: High-protein, low-carbohydrate diets.

• Correction of micronutrient deficiencies through supplements.