IDF Unveils Type 5 Diabetes: A Landmark Move To Combat Malnutrition-Linked Diabetes

IDF Designates “Type 5 Diabetes” to Address Malnutrition related Diseases.

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially recognized a distinct form of diabetes, termed “Type 5 diabetes,” addressing the long-neglected condition associated with malnutrition, primarily affecting lean individuals in developing and low-income countries. This landmark decision, announced at the IDF World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, marks a significant step towards improved diagnosis, treatment, and research for this underrecognized disease.

What is type 5 diabetes ?

Maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 5 (MODY 5) is a form of monogenic diabetes that is often accompanied by pancreatic dysfunction. To date, no cases of MODY 5 treated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP 1RA) have been reported. We present the first case of MODY 5 treated with GLP-1RA.

Type 5 diabetes, previously poorly understood and often misdiagnosed as Type 1, is characterized by a profound defect in insulin secretion rather than insulin resistance, distinguishing it from Type 2 diabetes. This new classification stems from extensive research led by Dr. Meredith Hawkins of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, who has advocated for its recognition for over a decade.

Symptoms of Type-5 Diabetes

Slightly high blood sugar levels starting at a young age
No signs of insulin resistance, like being overweight
A strong family history of diabetes across several generations
Some types may cause symptoms like peeing often, feeling very thirsty, feeling tired all the time, and losing weight without trying

Unlike Type 1 diabetes, ketones are typically not present in the urine, and patients often don’t need insulin immediately

Over 250 million people worldwide unaware they have diabetes, according to new IDF research :

Globally, nearly one in nine adults (589 million) are now living with diabetes. Of these, an estimated 252 million are not yet aware they have the condition, placing them at higher risk of serious complications and early death. Many will be diagnosed when they already have one or more of the associated complications and have missed opportunities to prevent or delay their onset. These alarming findings are from the 11th edition of the International Diabetes Federation’s Diabetes Atlas, released today at the start of the organisation’s World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok, Thailand.

Launch of new IDF Global CPR for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes. :

On 8 April, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) launched the new IDF Global Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes at the World Diabetes Congress IDF 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.

These recommendations incorporate the latest advancements in diabetes management to provide healthcare professionals with the tools to deliver high-quality, evidence-based care to people with type 2 diabetes. By using these guidelines, HCPs have a structured yet adaptable framework which they can use in diverse clinical settings.