Saturday, March 29, 2025
People across the globe are increasingly concerned about high blood sugar levels. While Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are commonly known, a new and rare form called Type-5 Diabetes is now drawing attention. Here’s everything you need to know about this emerging condition, including its symptoms, causes, and current understanding.
At the recent World Diabetes Conference held in Bangkok, Professor Peter Schwarz, President of the International Diabetes Federation, officially recognized Type-5 Diabetes as an emerging condition. However, this is not a newly discovered disease — it was first identified in the 1960s. Cases have primarily been reported in countries like India, Pakistan, and several African nations, often among undernourished and thin individuals.
Type-5 Diabetes is typically found in individuals suffering from malnutrition. Unlike Type 1 and Type 2, this form is not linked to genetic factors. It arises due to severe nutritional deficiencies and is often called “J-type diabetes”.
It is not caused by insulin resistance like Type 2, nor is it autoimmune like Type 1.
Patients often show no presence of antibodies that are typically found in other forms of diabetes.
Underweight children and malnourished individuals are more vulnerable.
It’s considered part of a metabolic syndrome triggered by poor diet and inadequate healthcare.
Malnutrition
Excessive hunger
Weight loss
Blurred vision
Fatigue and weakness
Wounds or infections that heal slowly
The primary causes include:
Malnutrition, especially in infancy and early childhood
Lack of proper postnatal nutrition
Possibly linked to poor socioeconomic conditions
In 2022, researchers Dr. Thoman and Dr. Siddhidas Gupta from CMC, along with Professor Meredith Hawkins from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, conducted a study differentiating Type-5 from other diabetes types. They found it to be structurally and clinically distinct and emphasized the need for further research.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Type-5 Diabetes. Since it is a newly recognized condition in the medical community, global healthcare professionals are still studying it to develop effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before acting on any medical information. This article is based on preliminary findings and should not be considered a substitute for expert medical advice.
