Diabetes new type 5 linked to malnutrition obtains a formal classification

Nearly 39 million American adults are currently living with diabetes, according to the latest data – and between 90% and 95% of these cases are type 2 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes, although only 5% to 10% of cases, is also well known.

But researchers now claim that a less known variation – type 5 diabetes or diabetes mellitus linked to malnutrition (MRDM) – justifies its own designation and treatment.

How to reverse the prediabetes before it leads to type 2 diabetes

Type 1 vs type 2

Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults, but may appear in children. The disease is linked to the family history, age, obesity and unhealthy lifestyle factors, according to centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nearly 39 million American adults are currently living with diabetes – and between 90% and 95% of these cases are type 2 diabetes. (istock)

“Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which is caused by a person who follows a diet rich in sugars and carbohydrates for decades, where the body perceives its own insulin as a foreigner and resists it,” said Dr. Jeffrey Hockings, founder and CEO of the Diabetes reversation group in Texas ,,

“This means that blood sugar remains high, requiring oral drugs or insulin to lower blood sugar.”

Type 2 diabetes is reversible with appropriate lifestyle changes, noted the doctor.

More injections? The new pill could replace Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss

With type 1 diabetes, the patient experiences a metabolic condition where the body becomes insulin resistant or does not do it enough, according to the CDC. The condition is not reversible.

“Type 1 diabetes is juvenile diabetes, caused by a genetic problem and / or an autoimmune disease, where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin,” said Hocking. “Patients must take insulin blows daily or with a pump for the rest of their lives.”

Researchers claim that a less known variation – type 5 diabetes or diabetes mellitus linked to malnutrition (MRDM) – justifies its own designation and treatment. (istock)

Although this form of the disease is more likely to be diagnosed in children, adolescents and young adults, adults can also obtain it, according to the CDC.

There are also two other established types of disease – type 3C and gestational diabetes. Type 3C is caused by chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer, while gestational diabetes can affect women during pregnancy.

What is type 5 diabetes?

Type 5 diabetes, or MRDM, is the result of “chronic disparities in undernutrition and health”, according to the International Diabetes Federation (FDI).

Common symptoms include significant weight loss, feelings of fatigue and increased vulnerability to infections, as well as frequent and excessive thirst.

Diabetes risk quadruples with the use of popular natural remedies, discovers the study

“Type 5 diabetes is known to develop in people with low BMIs who have been chronic malnutric during development and adulthood – and, therefore, the sub -product pancreas”, Tanya Freirich, a dietitian nutritionist recorded in Charlotte, North Carolina, specialized in diabetes, told Fox News Digital.

“However, these people do not share the same insulin resistance as people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes” “

Although type 5 diabetes shares the characteristics with type 1 and 2 diabetes, it has enough unique characteristics to justify a different diagnosis, according to Freirich.

“Type 1 diabetes is juvenile diabetes, caused by a genetic problem and / or an autoimmune disease, where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin,” said an expert. (istock)

In January 2025, the MRDM was “officially classified” as a type 5 diabetes at an international meeting of experts in India, noted FDI.

Then, in April 2025, type 5 diabetes was officially recognized at the FDI 2025 global diabetes congress in Bangkok.

Click here to obtain the Fox News app

As part of this recognition, the president of TSAhal, Peter Schwarz, publicly announced the launch of a working group on type 5 diabetes, designed to help define the diagnostic criteria and treatments for this form of disease.

However, there has been a debate in the medical community as to whether type 5 diabetes justifies its own separate category, according to Dr. Bronwyn Holmes, MD, a doctor certified by the board of directors at the Eden medical advisory council in New York.

“Type 5 diabetes is known to develop in people with low BMIs who were chronic malnourished during development and adulthood.”

“Distinct biological mechanisms and the meaning of public health and the unique clinical presentation of type 5 diabetes justify its distinct classification,” she said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

However, type 5 was not officially recognized by American Diabetes Association or the World Health Organization.

Diagnosis and treatment

The diagnosis of type 5 diabetes is to assess history of malnutrition, low BMI and age under 30 at diagnosis, according to Hockings. Glycemia tests are used to confirm the disease.

Click here to register for our Health Newsletter

“Treatment focuses on nutritional rehabilitation to correct gaps and improve pancreatic function,” Hockings at Fox News Digital told. “Although some may require insulin, the dosage must be carefully controlled to avoid dangerously low blood sugar.”

Oral drugs and a regime rich in protein are also part of the management plan, according to the doctor.

Anyone who presents type 5 symptoms or any form of diabetes should consult a qualified health professional to receive tests, diagnosis and treatment plan. (istock)

Freirich noted that treatment should take into account the metabolic differences found in type 5 diabetes.

“For example, people with type 5 diabetes are more prone to low blood sugar because of their sensitivity to insulin and their ability to do insulin,” she said. “The appropriate diet can be useful to combat malnutrition as well as to ensure that blood sugar remains in the optimal beach.”

For more health items, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Anyone who presents type 5 symptoms or any form of diabetes should consult a qualified health professional to receive tests, diagnosis and treatment plan.