Health · Medical Research · 2 days ago
International Diabetes Federation recognizes type 5 diabetes
The International Diabetes Federation recognized type 5 diabetes in 2025 and is urging health authorities such as the World Health Organization to follow.
The condition, previously called malnutrition-related diabetes, is linked to long-term nutrient deficiency and is thought to affect up to 25 million people.
It is reported especially among people in Asia and Africa facing severe food insecurity, though its prevalence is uncertain.
First described in Jamaica in 1955, it was recognized by the World Health Organization in the 1980s, then removed from its classification in 1999 because evidence was considered insufficient.
Researchers say nutrient deficiencies can affect pancreatic development and insulin production, making this condition different from other forms of diabetes.
It can be mistaken for other types, and treatments designed for them may not work or could cause harm.
Some researchers welcome official recognition, while others say uncertainty about diagnosis makes it premature.
Wider recognition could support better diagnosis and research into effective treatment, but the World Health Organization has not yet followed the federation's move.
The International Diabetes Federation officially recognized type 5 diabetes in 2025 and is urging other health authorities, including the World Health Organization, to follow suit.
The condition, formerly known as malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus, is thought to stem from nutrient deficiency and is commonly misdiagnosed as other types of diabetes.
ScienceAlert reports that type 5 diabetes may affect up to 25 million people worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income nations.
Research described in the article suggests people with the condition can be insulin-deficient while remaining sensitive to insulin, unlike the typical patterns described for type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers disagree about whether the classification is warranted, citing uncertainty over diagnosis and the evidence for the condition.
An IDF working group established in 2025 is tasked with developing diagnostic criteria and treatment guidance, creating a global research registry, and training healthcare professionals.
- Who
- The International Diabetes Federation, researchers, and people affected by type 5 diabetes
- What
- The IDF recognized type 5 diabetes and is developing diagnostic and treatment guidance
- When
- The recognition and working group were established in 2025
- Where
- Worldwide, particularly in Asia and Africa
- Why
- The condition is linked to nutrient deficiency, is often misdiagnosed, and may require different treatment from other forms of diabetes
Supporters of recognition
Critics of recognition
Whether type 5 diabetes should be recognized
Supporters of recognition
Supporters say formal recognition is long overdue and could help patients receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Critics of recognition
Critics call recognition unwarranted because diagnostic uncertainty remains and cases linked to malnutrition may vary.
Evidence and prevalence
Supporters of recognition
Supporters point to research suggesting nutrient deficiencies can affect pancreatic development and insulin secretion, and to a distinct metabolic profile reported in a small trial in south India.
Critics of recognition
Critics argue that the evidence is insufficient to settle how the condition should be diagnosed; researchers also disagree on whether its prevalence is growing or receding.
Understanding the specific types of diabetes someone has is crucial to providing the right treatment
Malnutrition-related diabetes is more common than tuberculosis and nearly as common as HIV/ AIDS, but the lack of an official name has hindered efforts to diagnose patients or find effective therapies
I'm hopeful that this formal recognition as type 5 diabetes will lead to progress against this long-neglected disease that severely debilitates people and is often fatal.
Type 5 diabetes stands apart with its unique pathogenesis, theorized to involve compromised pancreatic development resulting from extended periods of nutritional insufficiency
Type 5 diabetes was first described in Jamaica.
The World Health Organization acknowledged the diagnosis, according to the article.
The WHO withdrew the classification because of a lack of evidence.
Meredith Hawkins and colleagues published work establishing a unique metabolic profile for malnutrition-related diabetes.
The IDF recognized type 5 diabetes and established a working group to develop criteria, guidance, research infrastructure, and professional training.
- Estimated global impact
- Up to 25 million people
- IDF recognition
- 2025
- First described
- 1955, in Jamaica
- Previous name
- Malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM)
- IDF working group chair
- Meredith Hawkins
Sources
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