Type 5 diabetes is the new threat emerging in malnourished kids: What parents must know

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has recognised a new form of diabetes, called Type 5 diabetes and has linked it to young adults. It is a malnutrition-related diabetes, typically affecting lean and malnourished teenagers and young adults in low- and middle-income countries.
"Type 5 diabetes is estimated to affect between 20 to 25 million people worldwide, primarily in regions such as Asia and Africa. This recognition marks a pivotal moment in the understanding of diabetes and how the condition affects lean and malnourished teens and young adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)," the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has said in a press release.
"The concept of type 5 diabetes refers to severe insulin-deficient diabetes (SIDD), characterised by elevated levels of insulin deficiency and poor metabolic control. Unlike type 2 diabetes, type 5 diabetes, also known as malnutrition-related diabetes, is primarily caused by chronic undernutrition, especially during childhood or adolescence," it explains.
Type 5 diabetes was first reported in Jamaica in 1955 and in 1960s it was reported in undernourished populations across India, Pakistan, and parts of sub-Saharan Africa. "Although type 5 diabetes has been observed for over 70 years, it has been largely overlooked in global health discussions. The condition was first noted in the mid-20th century and often misclassified as type 1 or 2 diabetes. Previously, prevailing theories suggested that the condition developed due to insulin resistance. In recent years, renewed research—led by Dr. Hawkins—confirmed its distinct metabolic profile," the IDF has said.
“The recognition of type 5 diabetes marks a historic shift in how we approach diabetes globally. For too long, this condition has gone unrecognised, affecting millions of people and depriving them of access to adapted care. With the launch of the Type 5 Diabetes Working Group, we are taking decisive steps to correct this. This is about equity, science, and saving lives," DF World Diabetes Congress, Professor Schwarz has said in an official statement.
People with type 5 diabetes are insulin deficient. It is believed to stem from impaired pancreatic development due to long-term nutrient deficiencies.
Key symptoms of type 5 diabetes are constant fatigue, unexplained weight loss or failure to gain weight, stunted growth, and frequent infections. Kids may also show excessive thirst, increased urination, and poor wound healing. A lack of appetite, digestive issues, and dark skin patches (especially around the neck) may also appear. They might struggle with concentration, memory, and school performance. Unlike typical diabetes, these symptoms may occur even without obesity, making them easy to overlook.