By Zoila Palma: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially recognized a fifth form of diabetes, marking a major shift after decades of scientific debate and uncertainty.
Known as type 5 diabetes, the condition is believed to affect up to 25 million people worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where food insecurity and limited access to healthcare are widespread.
The IDF is now urging other global health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to adopt the classification to improve diagnosis, research, and treatment, Science alert reports.
First identified in Jamaica in 1955, type 5 diabetes—previously called malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus—has long been misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed.
Unlike other forms of diabetes, it is not linked to obesity, lifestyle, pregnancy, or autoimmune disease, but rather to chronic malnutrition that impairs pancreatic development and insulin production.
Research has shown that patients with type 5 diabetes are insulin-deficient but remain sensitive to insulin, meaning standard treatments used for type 1 or type 2 diabetes may be ineffective or even dangerous.
Experts say formal recognition is critical to addressing a long-neglected and often fatal disease.
Endocrinologist Dr. Meredith Hawkins, who chairs the IDF’s new type 5 diabetes working group, said the lack of an official name has hindered research funding and proper care.
The group plans to establish diagnostic criteria, treatment guidelines, and a global research registry, while training healthcare workers to manage the condition safely.
Researchers warn that improper insulin use can cause life-threatening complications, underscoring the need for tailored approaches as recognition of type 5 diabetes moves forward.
The post International Diabetes Federation recognizes Type 5 diabetes as distinct disease after decades of debate appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially recognized a fifth form of diabetes, marking a major shift after decades of scientific debate and uncertainty. Known as type 5 diabetes, the condition is believed to affect up to 25 million people worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where food insecurity and limited
The post International Diabetes Federation recognizes Type 5 diabetes as distinct disease after decades of debate appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
