A new milestone in diabetes research has been reached: the International Diabetes Federation has officially recognized type 5 diabetes as a separate condition. This addition highlights how complex the illness really is and how different factors can shape its development.
Despite the familiar numbering, diabetes is not limited to just one or two categories. In fact, more than a dozen variations exist, each with its own origin and treatment path. Understanding these distinctions is essential, not only for patients but also for the medical community seeking better solutions.
What is type 5 diabetes?
According to the International Diabetes Federation, type 5 diabetes is directly linked to malnutrition during early life and is most common in lower-income regions of the world. It is estimated to affect around 20 to 25 million people globally. Unlike other forms, this condition appears in people with low body weight and insufficient insulin, but the shortage is not caused by the immune system. Instead, the pancreas may have failed to develop properly due to poor childhood nutrition.
Animal studies have shown that a diet lacking protein during pregnancy or adolescence can disrupt normal pancreas growth. A smaller pancreas means fewer insulin-producing cells and, ultimately, a higher likelihood of diabetes.
The recognition of this type marks an important step, as it acknowledges the role of early-life nutrition in long-term health. By identifying it as type 5, the medical field can better tailor treatment and raise awareness in countries where malnutrition is still widespread.
Other established forms of diabetes
Diabetes is a broad term for conditions that raise blood sugar, but each type has distinct causes. The most well-known include type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes, along with several rarer forms that affect specific groups.
- Type 1 diabetes results from the immune system attacking the pancreas, destroying the cells that produce insulin. It can appear at any age and is not linked to lifestyle.Treatment usually requires lifelong insulin therapy, either through injections or pumps. In some cases, pancreas cell transplants or stem-cell-based therapies can reduce or even replace the need for daily insulin, though such options remain limited.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common form worldwide. While often associated with a high body mass index, it can also affect people of normal weight, particularly if they carry a genetic predisposition. Certain ethnic groups, such as South Asian and African Caribbean populations, are at greater risk.Treatments range from lifestyle changes and diet adjustments to a wide range of medications, including the widely used metformin. Clinical studies show that sustained low-calorie diets can sometimes reverse the condition.
- Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy, typically between weeks 24 and 28. It is driven by hormonal shifts that reduce insulin sensitivity. Risk factors include obesity, family history, maternal age, and previous pregnancies involving large babies.While some women manage it through diet and exercise, others may require medication or insulin therapy to keep blood sugar levels under control.
Rare and lesser-known forms
Beyond the three main types, there are several rare variations that show how complex diabetes can be.
- Neonatal diabetes appears very early in life due to genetic mutations that influence insulin release. Some cases can be managed with tablets instead of insulin.
- Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) develops later but is also genetic, with variations that affect pancreas development or sugar detection.
- Type 3c diabetes stems from direct damage to the pancreas, such as after cancer surgery or pancreatitis.
- Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes is another recognized form, becoming more common as patients with cystic fibrosis live longer. By age 40, about one-third of people with the condition develop diabetes.