Overview

• Type 5 diabetes, caused by malnutrition-induced pancreatic dysfunction, was officially recognized by the International Diabetes Federation on April 8, 2025, during the World Diabetes Congress in Bangkok.
• The disease predominantly affects 20–25 million lean and malnourished teenagers and young adults in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in Africa and Asia.
• Symptoms include extreme fatigue, significant weight loss, and frequent infections, often leading to misdiagnosis as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
• Emerging treatment approaches involve small insulin doses, oral medications, and nutrition plans emphasizing protein and micronutrient intake, though formal guidelines are still under development.
• The recognition addresses decades of underdiagnosis and poor understanding, providing a framework for research and targeted care to improve outcomes for affected populations.