The International Diabetes Federation has officially recognised Type 5 diabetes as a distinct condition, marking a significant step in how the disease is classified and understood. Unlike other types, Type 5 diabetes is closely linked to malnutrition in early life and is more common in low-income regions.

Though diabetes is often spoken of in terms of “Type 1” or “Type 2,” the condition includes more than a dozen distinct forms. Each type has different causes and treatments, making correct diagnosis vital for effective care.

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It’s not related to diet or lifestyle and often emerges in childhood or adolescence, though it can occur at any age. It is treated with lifelong insulin therapy, and some individuals benefit from cell transplants or stem-cell-based treatments—though these are not widely accessible.

Type 2 Diabetes
This is the most common type and is often linked to higher body weight and genetic factors. However, people of normal weight—especially those of South Asian, African, or Caribbean heritage—can also be at risk. It is typically treated with medications like metformin and lifestyle changes, including a low-calorie diet, which has been shown to reverse the disease in some cases.

Gestational Diabetes
This occurs during pregnancy, usually between weeks 24 and 28, due to hormonal changes that reduce insulin sensitivity. Risk factors include obesity, age, and ethnic background. It’s managed through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication or insulin.

Other Rare Types
Several rare forms of diabetes exist:

• Neonatal diabetes appears in infancy and is caused by genetic mutations that affect insulin release.

• MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) is a genetic form that typically shows up in adolescence or early adulthood.

• Type 3c diabetes is caused by physical damage to the pancreas, often due to surgery, pancreatitis, or pancreatic cancer.

• Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes affects about one-third of people with cystic fibrosis by age 40.

Type 5 Diabetes
This new category is linked to undernutrition during critical growth periods in early life. It affects an estimated 20–25 million people globally, mainly in low-income countries. In these individuals, the pancreas does not develop fully, resulting in lower insulin production. Unlike Type 1, it is not caused by an immune attack. Research in animals has shown that protein deficiency during pregnancy or early life leads to stunted pancreas development.

Understanding the various forms of diabetes is crucial, especially as classification continues to evolve. The recognition of Type 5 diabetes highlights the role of early-life nutrition in long-term health and encourages more tailored global responses to managing the disease.