(GIST OF SCIENCE REPORTER) TYPE 5 DIABETES

(MAY-2025)

TYPE 5 DIABETES

Introduction:

Type 5 diabetes, a form of diabetes seen in lean and undernourished young adults in low- and middle-income countries, has finally been officially recognised by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). This long-ignored type of diabetes affects millions but remained outside the global diabetes classifications until now.

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

Type 5 diabetes, also known as Malnutrition-Related Diabetes Mellitus (MRDM), mostly affects young people who are thin, undernourished, and from economically weaker sections in countries like India, Bangladesh, and parts of Africa.
This type of diabetes is quite different from the commonly known Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It is closely linked to chronic malnutrition, which often begins before birth when a baby does not receive proper nutrition in the mother’s womb, and continues after birth due to poverty and lack of proper food.

Important facts about Type 5 Diabetes:

It is estimated to affect 20–25 million people worldwide, mainly in Asia and Africa.
Insulin injections, which are life-saving for Type 1 diabetes, do not work effectively for Type 5 diabetes patients.

It has no confirmed genetic or autoimmune cause, unlike other types of diabetes.

Key Features and Markers

Some distinct features of Type 5 diabetes include:

A very low Body Mass Index (BMI), usually less than 18.5 kg/m².
Insulin secretion is severely reduced, but not as low as in Type 1 diabetes.
A much lower percentage of body fat compared to those with Type 2 diabetes.
There’s no autoimmune damage to the pancreas, which is a feature of Type 1 diabetes.

What Causes Type 5 Diabetes?

The primary cause is chronic malnutrition that begins before birth. If a baby:

Does not get enough nutrition in the womb, it may develop health risks later.
If the child later gains excessive weight, it may lead to Type 2 diabetes.
But if the child stays undernourished before and after birth, the risk of developing malnutrition-related Type 5 diabetes increases.

This reflects the harsh realities of many developing nations, where poverty and food insecurity persist over generations. Treatment and Management
Since Type 5 diabetes has only recently been officially recognised, standard treatment guidelines and diagnostic tests are still being developed.

At present, management includes:

A nutritious and high-protein diet, with sufficient calories from carbohydrates and healthy fats to help improve body weight and nutritional status.
Anti-diabetic medicines or insulin may be given, but decisions are made based on each patient’s blood glucose levels and overall health.
Preventing malnutrition during pregnancy and early childhood is the most effective long-term preventive strategy.

Understanding Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body can’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps move glucose (sugar) from food into the body’s cells for energy. When this process is disturbed, glucose remains in the blood, causing high blood sugar, or hyperglycaemia.

Types of Diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: The pancreas makes little or no insulin. Mostly affects children and young adults. Requires lifelong insulin injections.
Type 2 Diabetes: The body resists insulin or doesn’t use it properly. Accounts for 90% of cases. Often linked to obesity and lifestyle.
Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth.
Type 5 Diabetes (MRDM): Occurs due to malnutrition in underweight young people in poor countries.