Overview

• The Young-Onset Diabetes in sub-Saharan Africa (YODA) study of 894 participants across Cameroon, Uganda and South Africa found that 65% lacked islet autoantibodies and typical genetic risk markers
• Comparison with the U.S.-based SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth study showed nearly 15% of Black American children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes share this insulin-deficient, non-autoimmune profile
• Researchers warn that existing diagnostic frameworks focused on autoimmune markers may miss this subtype, leading to inappropriate treatment paths
• Health experts are calling for updates to global type 1 diabetes guidelines to distinguish non-autoimmune cases and ensure suitable insulin or alternative therapies
• Next research phases will investigate environmental, nutritional and infectious factors to determine the underlying causes of this newly recognized diabetes form