Discovery of a New Type of Diabetes

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially recognized a new type of diabetes, now referred to as Type 5 Diabetes or Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY). It is a rare condition that appears in adolescents and young adults, caused by malnutrition rather than obesity or lifestyle factors.

According to Sky News Arabia, this form of diabetes is believed to affect around 25 million people worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where slim young individuals suffer from a severe reduction in insulin production due to a dysfunction in the pancreatic cells.

According to the same source, Meredith Hawkins, Professor of Medicine at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, stated:

“Malnutrition-related diabetes has historically been underdiagnosed and misunderstood. Recognizing it as the fifth type of diabetes is a crucial step toward raising awareness and launching serious research.”

She added:

“The patient appears to have type 1 diabetes because they are young and thin, but insulin treatment doesn’t work—and may even be dangerous. These cases were extremely confusing.”

She continued:

“We started in 2010 through the Einstein Global Diabetes Institute, and in 2022, we were able to prove that this disease is fundamentally different from types 1 and 2. What we discovered completely changed our understanding of the condition.”

She concluded:

“We now have the global will and official recognition to begin real research that can help save the lives of these patients.”