Diabetes Type 5: Malnutrition Link Officially Recognized
- BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — A form of diabetes linked to malnutrition has gained official recognition as a distinct metabolic disease, designated "type 5" diabetes.The International Diabetes Federation (IDF)...
- Meredith Hawkins, a professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of medicine in New York, highlighted the meaning of this recognition.
- The condition primarily affects young men in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with a body mass index (BMI) below 19.
Table of Contents
- Malnutrition-Related Diabetes Recognized as distinct Type 5
- Malnutrition-Related Diabetes: Your Questions Answered
- What is Type 5 Diabetes?
- Where and Who Dose Type 5 Diabetes Affect?
- How is Type 5 Diabetes Different from Other Types of Diabetes?
- Why Was Type 5 Diabetes Not Recognized Earlier?
- What are the symptoms of type 5 diabetes?
- How is Type 5 Diabetes Diagnosed?
- How is Type 5 Diabetes Currently Treated?
- what Dietary Recommendations are suggested for Type 5 Diabetes patients?
- Who is Dr. Meredith Hawkins, and Why is She Involved?
- What is the Future for Type 5 Diabetes Research and Treatment?
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) — A form of diabetes linked to malnutrition has gained official recognition as a distinct metabolic disease, designated “type 5” diabetes.The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) announced the classification on April 8 during its World Congress of Diabetes.
A Long-Neglected Condition
Dr. Meredith Hawkins, a professor of medicine at Albert Einstein College of medicine in New York, highlighted the meaning of this recognition. “Diabetes related to malnutrition has been underdiagnosed and poorly understood historically,” hawkins told Medscape Medical News. “Its IDF recognition as ‘type 5 diabetes’ is an vital step towards awareness of a health problem that is so devastating to so many people.”
The condition primarily affects young men in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with a body mass index (BMI) below 19. While often misdiagnosed as type 1 diabetes, these patients typically do not develop ketonuria or ketoacidosis, despite exhibiting high blood sugar levels and requiring substantial insulin doses.
From Obscurity to Recognition
MalnutritionS role in diabetes was initially described in Jamaica in 1955 and later acknowledged by the World health Association in 1985. Though, the category was removed in 1999 due to a perceived lack of conclusive evidence. Recent research and sustained international advocacy have led to its re-evaluation and reclassification.
Challenging existing Understanding
In 2022,hawkins and her team published findings from advanced metabolic tests conducted on 73 Asian Indian men. Among them, 20 were diagnosed with what is now known as “type 5 diabetes,” after excluding other known forms of diabetes through immunogenetic analyses.
Research revealed several key characteristics of type 5 diabetes patients:
- Lower total insulin secretion compared to lean individuals without diabetes or those with type 2 diabetes.
- Considerably reduced endogenous glucose production.
- Greater glucose absorption than in type 2 diabetes.
- Lower levels of visceral fat and hepatocellular lipids.
“It seems that people with this form of diabetes have a profound defect in the ability to secrete insulin, which was not previously recognized,” Hawkins explained. “this discovery has revolutionized how we understand this condition and how we should treat it.”
Treatment Considerations
While specific treatment protocols for type 5 diabetes are still under development, preliminary indications suggest that very low doses of insulin, combined with oral medications, may prove most effective. Hawkins cautioned against excessive insulin governance, which can be perilous for these patients.
“I suspect that their nutrition should include much larger amounts of protein and fewer carbohydrates,with special attention to deficient micronutrients,” Hawkins said. ”But this aspect should be studied carefully, now that there is a global will and an official mandate from IDF.”
Hawkins’ interest in this form of diabetes began in 2005, leading her to establish the Global Institute for Diabetes of Einstein in 2010 to further investigate the disease. She has also been a frequent speaker at universities in LMICs.
“I often say: ‘Why do we see this disease so often and yet we do not find it in textbooks?'”
dr. meredith Hawkins
Looking Ahead
A designated working group will develop formal diagnostic and treatment guidelines for type 5 diabetes over the next two years.This marks a significant step toward a more extensive global approach to diabetes, acknowledging the disease’s complexity and diverse manifestations based on patients’ socio-economic and nutritional backgrounds.
This article provides details about type 5 diabetes.All facts and data are based on the provided article.
What is Type 5 Diabetes?
Type 5 diabetes is a newly recognized form of diabetes that is linked to malnutrition. it has been officially classified as a distinct metabolic disease by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF).
Where and Who Dose Type 5 Diabetes Affect?
This condition primarily affects young men in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with a body mass index (BMI) below 19.
How is Type 5 Diabetes Different from Other Types of Diabetes?
Type 5 diabetes differs from other types in several key ways. Patients with type 5 diabetes:
- Have lower total insulin secretion compared to lean individuals without diabetes or those with type 2 diabetes.
- Exhibit considerably reduced endogenous glucose production.
- Show greater glucose absorption compared to those with type 2 diabetes.
- Have lower levels of visceral fat and hepatocellular lipids.
Why Was Type 5 Diabetes Not Recognized Earlier?
Dr. Meredith Hawkins explained that malnutrition-related diabetes has historically been underdiagnosed and poorly understood. While the role of malnutrition in diabetes was initially described in 1955 and acknowledged by the World Health Institution in 1985, it was removed as a recognized category in 1999 due to a perceived lack of conclusive evidence. Recent research and sustained international advocacy have led to its reclassification.
What are the symptoms of type 5 diabetes?
Symptoms include high blood sugar levels and the need for considerable insulin doses. However, unlike Type 1 diabetes, patients with type 5 diabetes typically do *not* develop ketonuria or ketoacidosis.
How is Type 5 Diabetes Diagnosed?
In 2022, Hawkins and her team published findings from advanced metabolic tests conducted on Asian Indian men. They were able to diagnose the condition in 20 of the participants after excluding other known forms of diabetes through immunogenetic analyses.
How is Type 5 Diabetes Currently Treated?
Specific treatment protocols are still under development.Preliminary indications suggest that very low doses of insulin, combined with oral medications, may prove most effective. Hawkins cautions against excessive insulin administration, which can be perilous for these patients.
what Dietary Recommendations are suggested for Type 5 Diabetes patients?
Hawkins suggests a diet that includes a larger amount of protein and fewer carbohydrates, with special attention to deficient micronutrients. However, this area is still under study.
Who is Dr. Meredith Hawkins, and Why is She Involved?
Dr. Meredith Hawkins is a professor of medicine at albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. Her interest in this form of diabetes began in 2005, leading her to establish the Global Institute for Diabetes of Einstein in 2010 to further investigate the condition. She has also been a frequent speaker at universities in LMICs.
What is the Future for Type 5 Diabetes Research and Treatment?
A designated working group will develop formal diagnostic and treatment guidelines for type 5 diabetes over the next two years. This marks a notable step toward a more extensive global approach to diabetes.