In a major medical milestone, Type 5 diabetes has finally been recognised as a distinct form of the disease by the International Diabetes Federation-shedding light on a condition long overlooked and often misdiagnosed.

Unlike the common Type 2 diabetes, which stems from insulin resistance, Type 5 is triggered by malnutrition-where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin due to underdevelopment. This form primarily affects lean, undernourished teens and young adults, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka.

Although reports of this condition date back to 1955 (once called "J-type diabetes"), official classification was removed in 1999 due to lack of evidence. But recent studies have confirmed a direct link between poor childhood nutrition and abnormal pancreatic function, bringing Type 5 diabetes back into focus.

A key marker? Patients often have extremely low BMI (below 18.5), very little body fat, and reduced insulin levels-not caused by autoimmune or genetic factors. The root cause often traces back to malnutrition starting in the womb, especially in cases where prenatal and postnatal nourishment remain poor.

Treatment? Still in development. But early findings suggest a high-protein diet, along with healthy fats and carbs, is crucial to support insulin production and weight gain.

With an estimated 25 million people affected globally, this recognition could finally pave the way for better diagnosis, research funding, and tailored care in vulnerable regions.