Lagos, Nigeria | September 18, 2025
In a significant development for global health, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially recognized Type 5 diabetes as a distinct form of diabetes resulting from chronic undernutrition during childhood or adolescence. This classification was endorsed at the IDF World Diabetes Congress held in Bangkok, Thailand, in April 2025.
Type 5 diabetes, previously known as malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM), affects an estimated 20 to 25 million individuals worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as Nigeria, India, Bangladesh, and Uganda. Unlike Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, which are characterized by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells and insulin resistance, respectively, Type 5 diabetes is marked by impaired pancreatic development due to long-term nutrient deficiencies.
The condition primarily impacts lean, malnourished teenagers and young adults under 30 years of age. Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, weight loss, and slow wound healing, which are often mistaken for other types of diabetes or undernutrition.
Diagnosis of Type 5 diabetes is based on clinical assessment, as no specific test currently exists. Treatment approaches emphasize low-dose insulin therapy and oral medications, as patients typically do not exhibit insulin resistance. Nutritional support, including high-protein, low-carbohydrate diets, is also crucial in managing the condition.
The IDF has launched a Type 5 Diabetes Working Group, co-chaired by Dr. Meredith Hawkins of Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Dr. Nihal Thomas of Christian Medical College in India. The group aims to develop formal diagnostic criteria, therapeutic guidelines, and a global research registry to enhance awareness and treatment of this previously overlooked condition.
The recognition of Type 5 diabetes marks a pivotal moment in understanding diabetes and its impact on populations affected by malnutrition. Health experts hope that this classification will lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention strategies for individuals at risk.