Rising Concerns Over Type 5 Diabetes Affecting Teens and Young Adults
Researchers are increasingly alerting the public to a lesser-known form of diabetes that predominantly impacts teenagers and young adults. This condition, referred to as Type 5 diabetes, emerged as a medical classification from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in April 2025. While Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are widely recognized and understood, Type 5 diabetes adds a troubling dimension to the ongoing diabetes epidemic, particularly as it is associated with malnutrition during crucial developmental years.
Diabetes significantly disrupts the body’s ability to process glucose, an essential source of energy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 35 million individuals in the United States were diagnosed with diabetes in 2021, underscoring the urgency of raising awareness about this public health crisis.
The IDF’s definition of Type 5 diabetes is noteworthy; it highlights a severe insulin-deficient state characterized by both elevated insulin deficiency and poor metabolic control. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, which results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells, and Type 2 diabetes, marked by the body’s resistance to insulin, Type 5 diabetes is believed to stem from long-standing nutrient deficiencies that impair pancreatic development.
The disease predominantly impacts lean and malnourished teens and young adults, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). IDF estimates suggest that approximately 20 to 25 million individuals are grappling with Type 5 diabetes globally. This population includes people who have experienced significant weight loss or severe malnutrition due to various factors, including eating disorders or medical treatments for weight loss.
Dr. Rozalina McCoy, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and treating this unique form of diabetes. She notes that it is critical not only to address those with a history of childhood malnutrition but also individuals affected by other forms of malnutrition.
Being primarily observed in regions struggling with limited resources, Type 5 diabetes requires a cost-effective and adaptable approach to management, which may include oral medication rather than insulin injections. This nuance is especially important in areas already facing challenges related to diabetes care.
In light of these developments, health professionals and policymakers are urged to prioritize education and intervention strategies tailored to combat the rising prevalence of Type 5 diabetes among vulnerable youth. Awareness of this condition could lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for millions at risk.
