Type 5 diabetes officially recognized: a new global focus
The unknown type 5 diabetes has frequently been misinterpreted and incorrectly grouped under type 1 or type 2 diabetes. With extending research, the illness has been given its own kind.
A Major Breakthrough in Diabetes Research
In a landmark announcement at the World Diabetes Congress 2025 in Bangkok, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially recognized a new form of the disease — Type 5 diabetes. This newly classified condition primarily affects undernourished teenagers and young adults, and is estimated to impact 20–25 million people globally.
Unlike type 1 diabetes, which usually requires lifelong insulin therapy, many individuals with type 5 diabetes may not need insulin injections and can be treated with oral medications, offering a more accessible and affordable solution, especially in low-income regions.
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Understanding Type 5 Diabetes
Also known as malnutrition-related diabetes, type 5 mostly occurs in lean individuals who have suffered from long-term undernutrition, particularly during childhood. The lack of nutrients affects the development of the pancreas, limiting the body’s ability to produce sufficient insulin.
Despite this, patients with type 5 diabetes do not show insulin resistance, making it biologically distinct from type 2 diabetes, which is commonly associated with obesity. It also differs from type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune condition. For years, this condition was either misdiagnosed or wrongly grouped under existing diabetes categories.
A Milestone in Global Health Equity
IDF President Peter Schwarz called the announcement a “historic shift”, noting that millions have lived with this form of diabetes without proper recognition or care.
“For too long, this condition has gone unrecognised, affecting millions of people and depriving them of access to adapted care,” Schwarz said.
To support the rollout of this classification, the IDF has launched a Type 5 Working Group. The group aims to:
- Establish clear diagnostic and treatment guidelines
- Create a global research registry
- Develop training modules for healthcare workers
Leading Voices Behind the Change
The initiative is being co-led by Dr Meredith Hawkins, from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, whose research played a key role in distinguishing type 5 diabetes. She is joined by Dr Nihal Thomas from Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, as co-chair of the working group.
Together, they aim to bridge the gap in diabetes care for millions across Asia, Africa, and other underserved regions where the condition is most prevalent.