Introduction

Diabetes is regarded as a common chronic disease that is concerned with abnormally high blood glucose levels (citation needed). Until recently, Diabetes was classified into two types: Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is a genetically influenced condition (American Diabetes Association, n.d.) where insulin, a hormone that decreases blood glucose concentration, produces cells that get destroyed by the body’s own immune system (autoimmune); whereas Type 2 diabetes occurs when insulin secretion is insufficient for various reasons. (Diabetes UK, n.d.).  While these two types are most prominent,  other less well known types exist , such as type 3 and type 3c. Notably, in January 2025, the International Diabetes Foundation classified a new type of diabetes known as Type 5 diabetes. (International Diabetes Foundation, n.d.) 

Causes

While there  is a common perception that obesity is linked strongly  to diabetes, the root cause of Type 5 diabetes is actually malnutrition rather than excessive eating. Malnutrition hinders the development of insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas, subsequently decreasing the mass of the pancreas. This directly leads to a reduced insulin response, increasing glucose levels. Specifically, a deficiency in calories and protein during a person's youth can inhibit the growth and function of the pancreas.. Additionally, consumption of  high concentration  cyanogenic compounds also contributes to type 5 diabetes. This is because the body finds difficulty in detoxifying  cyanogenic compounds  impacting pancreatic cells as they accumulate. Besides nutritional factors, the consumption of unsanitised water and parasitic infections  can also deteriorate overall organ development, including the pancreas. Last but not least, if a mother is nutritionally deprived, its fetus can also experinece developmental problems in their pancreease. (Metropolis, 2026).

Symptoms:

Type 5 diabetes contains some symptoms that align with other types. Common symptoms of type 5 diabetes are as follows:

1. Elevated Glucose Levels: The lack of insulin would reduce the body's ability to convert glucose to glycogen in the liver,  promoting body cells to absorb glucose for cellular respiration. High concentrations of glucose therefore remain in the blood.

2. Weight Loss: As glucose is not properly acquired by cells, the body would have to burn fat and muscular tissue for energy supply instead. 

3. Frequent Urination: As the body fails to remove blood glucose using insulin, an increased action by the kidney attempts to remove glucose through filtration. (Mayo Clinic, 2023). This also explains why glucose is present in the urine of individuals with diabetes. 

4. Thirst (Polydipsia): As a result of the increased filtration of dissolved glucose, dehydration occurs and patients therefore would need more water for replacement. (WebMD, 2024). 

5. Fatigue: There is little to no insulin to stimulate cellular respiration. As a result, less energy is released which could lead to tiredness.(BASS Medical group, 2026) 

How is it different from Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Unlike type 1 diabetes, where the primary cause is pancreatic cells,, there are no autoimmune responses or conditions associated with Type 5 diabetes. Conversely, the cause of insufficient insulin production can be explained by the underdevelopment of bodily systems. People with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 30 or higher have a significantly increased risk of Type 2 diabetes in contrast to people with lower BMI. (Bae et al, 2020). In comparison, sufferers of Type 5 diabetes have a lower BMI of not more than 19.

Renaming of a Disease

Although the disease was only recently classified as a distinct type of diabetes, it was already  regarded as a serious medical condition from long before. The disease was originally named “Malnutrition related diabetes Mellitus” and was said to be more prominent in LEDCs (Less Economic Developed Countries). A probable  reason for this change was due to the fact that  the old name did not  raise enough international awareness. Classifying it as a specific type of diabetes makes it more well-known and recognised , raising greater awareness in the international community. This would hopefully allow for more support worldwide, possibly reducing the prominence of this the disease.

Prevention

To limit the spread of Type 5 diabetes, it is essential to understand that the primary cause of this condition lies in malnutrition, not elevated high glucose levels.First of all, this type of diabetes can be prevented as early as fetal stages, as enough nutrition should be provided to the mother in order to support children, who should also be well fed. While it is undeniable that obstacles such as economic troubles persist, external support through NGOs and charities can significantly reduce the financial burden for nutrition. Additionally, as discussed above, poor food safety also plays a massive role in malnutrition. Hence, it is critical to enforce adequate standards of safety and hygiene in food. Last but not least, improving overall living standards can also suppress the potential  causes of  type 5 diabetes.

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