A newly recognized form of diabetes, termed Type 5 diabetes, has been officially acknowledged by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF). This condition, also known as malnutrition-related diabetes, primarily affects lean and undernourished teenagers and young adults in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly in regions such as Asia and Africa. Unlike Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, Type 5 diabetes is primarily caused by chronic undernutrition, especially during childhood or adolescence, leading to impaired pancreatic development and insufficient insulin production.The Sun+1The Independent+1Medscape+5idf.org+5Esteve Pharma+5

Historically, this condition was often misclassified as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, leading to inappropriate treatment strategies. Patients with Type 5 diabetes are insulin-deficient but not insulin-resistant, distinguishing them from those with Type 2 diabetes. Moreover, they do not develop ketonuria or ketosis despite high blood glucose levels, setting them apart from Type 1 diabetes patients.idf.orgMedscape