Archive · 18 Sep 2025
Experts Advocate for Recognition of Type 5 Diabetes
Scientists are pushing for official recognition of Type 5 diabetes, a form linked to not enough food in childhood.
It's more common in thin or underweight young adults, especially in poorer countries.
Symptoms include needing to pee a lot, feeling hungry and thirsty, and sometimes signs of being malnourished.
Recognizing Type 5 diabetes is important to avoid misdiagnosis and get the right treatment.
This could help millions worldwide, especially in Asia and Africa.
Experts want official recognition for Type 5 diabetes to improve diagnosis and management.
Type 5 diabetes affects lean, malnourished young adults in low- and middle-income countries.
It is estimated to affect 20-25 million people globally, 6 million in India.
Symptoms include excessive urination, hunger, and thirst, and signs of undernutrition.
Misdiagnosis can lead to incorrect treatment and worsen health outcomes.
- Who
- Experts
- What
- Advocating for formal recognition of Type 5 diabetes
- When
- Not specified in article
- Where
- Primarily in low- and middle-income countries
- Why
- To improve diagnosis and management
- Affected Population
- Lean, malnourished young adults
- Location
- Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)
- Estimated Worldwide Cases
- 20-25 million
- Estimated Indian Cases
- 6 million
- Symptoms
- Excessive urination, hunger, thirst, and signs of undernutrition
- Key Feature
- Linked to early-life undernutrition
- BMI
- Below 18.5 kg/m²
