What is known about type 5 diabetes?

diabetes is widespread in Germany. According to the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG) predominates with over 90 percent in this country Type 2 diabetes. Rare, but still common, is Type 1 diabetesthat breaks down especially in childhood and adolescence. In addition to these two main forms of the disease, there are many other forms. Such has now been renamed.

The International Diabetes Association (IDF) has the Classification of the disease At the worlddiabetes-Congress in Bangkok (Thailand) in April 2025 officially expanded a form: type 5 diabetes. The metabolic disease was previously known as « diabetes mellitus in connection with malnutrition »-in short: MRDM for Malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus-and, according to the IDF, is particularly widespread in Asia and Africa. An estimated 20 to 25 million people worldwide suffer from type 5 diabetes. Read what is known about the disease here.

Type 5 diabetes: Why is there a new diabetes form now?

MRDM or now type 5 diabetes has been found for the first time in the middle of the 20th century, and since then has often been incorrectly than Type 1 or type 2 diabetes classified. Although the metabolic disease in connection with malnutrition has been observed for over 70 years, it was often neglected in discussions about global health. That should change now, as IDF President Peter Schwarz announced in Bangkok. Accordingly, an expert group will be set up, the formal Diagnostic criteria and to develop treatment guidelines for type 5 diabetes.

According to Schwarz, the recognition of type 5 diabetes as a separate form of metabolic disease « marks » a historical change in the way we tackle diabetes worldwide « . MRDM was not considered for far too long, although millions of people are affected. As a result, « access to adequate care was denied to them, » continues the IDF President. The foundation of the type 5 diabetes working group is therefore a crucial step. It is about « justice, science and saving life ».

By the way: research is repeatedly done about diabetes. So researchers have one Intestinal bacterium Discovered that conventional diabetes medication and weight loss syringes could make conventional diabetes in the future. There is also Certain diets that can lower the blood sugar level. In addition, diabetics should pay attention to their nutrient intake. Researchers found that A vitamin D deficiency in about 60 percent of people with diabetes consists.

Diabetes in the event of malnutrition: What is known about type 5 diabetes?

Type 5 diabetes is not a new disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) already recognized MRDM as a separate diabetes type in 1985, but revoked this in 1999 due to a lack of evidence, explains Endocrinologist Meredith Hawkins from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York in a May 2022 paper. Hawkins, who heads the type 5 diabetes working group together with Nihal Thomas from Christian Medical College in India, explains that people in countries in countries with low and medium-sized incomes are particularly affected Body mass index (BMI) of under 19. According to the Technicians’ Health Insurance (TK) A BMI of 18.5 to 25 is considered a normal weight and only a BMI from 16 to 18.5 as a underweight.

However, according to the IDF, type 5 diabetes is triggered by chronic sub- and malnutrition, especially if this occurs in childhood and adolescence or already in the womb. Therefore, the assumption that the pancreas flexikon.doccheck.com The insulin-producing cells or beta cells-due to years of lack of nutrients, do not develop properly and thus only a few the body insulin can produce. According to the study, the disease usually breaks out before the age of 30. In addition, around 85 percent are much more common Men as Women affected.

According to the IDF, people with type 5 diabetes have an insulin deficiency, but are not Insulin resistant as type 2 diabetics. This means that your body produces too little insulin and the Blood sugar level As a result. Affected people can therefore according to the association with oral Anti -diabetics Treat and usually do not have to inject insulin. Since type 5 diabetes occurs primarily in « resource-poor regions », such cheaper therapy would help with the care of the patients, explains the IDF.