Malnutrition, not sugar: the surprising truth about type 5 diabetes
Image: Polina Tankilevitch /pexels
Type 5 Diabetes is real - and it's tied to malnutrition, not sugar.
Here's what you need to know:
For years, diabetes has been framed as a lifestyle condition linked to poor diet and weight gain, but that's not the full story.
A new type of diabetes, now officially recognised by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) as Type 5 diabetes, is turning that belief on its head.
And it's hitting the world's poorest communities hardest.
On April 9, Type 5 diabetes was formally added to the global classification system, the first new entry of its kind in decades.
What makes this type different? It's caused not by overnutrition, but by chronic undernutrition and the people most at risk aren't those with excess fat, but those without enough food during critical early stages of development.
'Malnutrition‑related diabetes has historically been vastly under‑diagnosed and poorly understood,' said Dr Meredith Hawkins, endocrinologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and founding director of the Global Diabetes Institute (GDI), in an interview with Earth.com.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Type 5 diabetes is caused by malnutrition during early development, not overeating common in lean people.
Image: Lagos Food Bank Initiative/pexels
What is Type 5 diabetes?
Type 5 diabetes primarily affects people in Asia and Africa, especially lean adolescents and young adults who experienced poor nutrition during childhood.
According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas (11th edition), about 20 to 25 million people are already living with this type a number that rivals HIV infection rates in the same regions.
Unlike the familiar Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to high-calorie diets and obesity, Type 5 develops when the pancreas fails to develop fully in childhood due to nutrient deficiencies particularly low protein intake during pregnancy or adolescence.
An article cited in "The Conversation" explains that rodent models have shown a clear connection between a low-protein diet and underdeveloped pancreases, which translates to reduced insulin production capacity.
Simply put: if your body never built enough insulin-producing cells as a child, you're at higher risk for developing diabetes later even if you stay lean and active.
This newly recognised condition is more than a medical milestone it's a call to rethink global health narratives.
Most public awareness campaigns around diabetes centre on obesity, sugar, and sedentary lifestyles, often overlooking the fact that millions of people face a very different risk one rooted in poverty and food insecurity.
This also exposes the health gap in countries battling undernutrition and limited access to healthcare. Type 5 diabetes often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, as it doesn't fit the typical profile healthcare workers are trained to look for.
As Hawkins noted, expanding our understanding of diabetes types is not just about labels; it's about making sure the right people get the right treatment.
Recognising Type 5 diabetes is just the beginning.
Image: Nataliya Vaitkevich/pexels
Types of diabetes
Here's a simplified breakdown of the major types of diabetes to better understand where Type 5 fits in:
Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells. Usually appears early in life. Not linked to diet or weight. Treated with lifelong insulin therapy
Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type, often linked to obesity but not exclusively
This can be reversed with diet, exercise, and medication (like Metformin)
Ethnic background and genetics also play a role
Managed through lifestyle changes, tablets or insulin
Gestational Diabetes Temporary condition during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts.
Increases the future risk of Type 2 diabetes.
Treated with dietary changes, insulin or tablets.
Type 5 Diabetes Caused by malnutrition during early development, not overeating.
Common in lean people, especially in resource-poor countries.
Requires a new clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Still under-recognised in mainstream health systems.
Why nutritional equity is keyType 5 diabetes shines a spotlight on how early-life nutrition or the lack thereof can leave permanent damage.
It also challenges the global focus on obesity as the face of diabetes, urging health systems to prioritise food security and maternal nutrition as long-term investments in public health.
This is more than a medical discovery, it's a wake-up call. With nearly one in nine adults living with diabetes worldwide, and more than 250 million people undiagnosed (International Diabetes Federation, IDF), it's time to think of diabetes in a new light, one that looks at inequality, not just indulgence.
Whether it's rooted in excess or scarcity, diabetes is a growing global crisis. Recognising Type 5 diabetes is just the beginning.
Now, the challenge is making sure people in affected communities are seen, heard, and treated starting with redefining the narrative around who is at risk and why.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
9 hours ago
- The Citizen
Health minister calls for bold action as TB vaccine nears reality
Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has stressed the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat tuberculosis (TB), a disease that has historically affected not only South Africa but countries around the world. 'We are here because we believe that TB – a disease that has shaped the history and health of our country and indeed, the whole world – can be ended. Not through words alone, but through action, partnership, and innovation,' he said on Thursday. The minister was delivering the keynote address at the country's TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop in Johannesburg. The workshop aims to advance policy and decision-making for the introduction of TB vaccines. Protecting the most vulnerable Addressing policymakers, scientists and community leaders, Motsoaledi said the upcoming phase will introduce preventative TB vaccination measures, which will also support the fight against HIV and Aids. For over a century, South Africa has relied on the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine to protect children from TB, but the minister pointed out that there has been no tool to protect adolescents and adults. 'These are the very groups most at risk of getting sick and transmitting TB,' he said. With several new TB vaccine candidates in the late stages of clinical trials, the most promising options are expected to be available in the next few years. The workshop positioned South Africa as one of the first countries ready to deliver a new generation of TB vaccines to the most vulnerable populations, including adolescents and adults. Ending 'slavery' of disease The minister expressed confidence that upcoming trials would yield positive results, potentially leading to a new vaccine for older age groups. TB remains a leading cause of death from infectious disease and a major contributor to poor health both locally and globally. 'Imagine the day when we announce the availability of the vaccine for tuberculosis,' he said, likening it to 'the day of true freedom from slavery' for those affected. Motsoaledi described the disease as a form of 'devastating slavery' that fuels poverty and premature death. 'South Africa is not waiting for the world to act. We are preparing – intentionally, early and inclusively.' Commitment to readiness The minister used the country's first national gathering on TB vaccine readiness to reaffirm South Africa's leadership in the global fight against TB and HIV. 'When South Africa wins against TB and HIV and Aids the world will win the war,' he said. He noted that throughout his tenure, he has sought to elevate TB on the global health agenda, recalling his 2018 address at the United Nations calling for world leaders to act. 'While global attention has often turned to emerging health threats, South Africa has remained focused on the enduring challenge of TB,' he said. He also acknowledged the devastating impact of TB on communities already battling HIV. Systems, trust and investment 'Today's discussions remind us that vaccine introduction is not just about science – it is about health systems. It is about trust. It is about readiness.' Motsoaledi emphasised the importance of preparing the health sector for the rollout, saying the agenda highlighted key areas such as evidence generation, delivery systems, and supply chain readiness. 'Investment in human life means everything,' he said, calling for strong financial backing and stakeholder support. He urged participants to build community trust and advocate for broad acceptance of the new vaccine. 'We must walk the path with our people,' he said. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on
The Citizen
17 hours ago
- The Citizen
World Brain Day: More than 40% of dementia cases can be prevented
World Brain Day: More than 40% of dementia cases can be prevented The World Health Organization estimates that 57 million people globally live with dementia, with this number expected to reach 153 million by 2050. A total of 60% of people with dementia live in low- and middle-income countries, but this will rise to 71% by 2050. Welma Geldenhuys, senior social worker of the Association for Dementia and Alzheimer's of South Africa in Pretoria, said that for the association, World Brain Day is about creating awareness for communities and families of how to let people with dementia live lives of dignity and quality. 'At the association, this is something we truly advocate for,' said Geldenhuys. Overall, around 45% of cases of dementia are potentially preventable by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors at different stages during the life course. These include things such as not completing secondary education, social isolation, and depression, as well as several medical conditions such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes. 'We need to get the word out that it is important to get a professional diagnosis of the illness by an expert medical professional because the right treatment and medication can be administered,' explained Geldenhuys. Diet might also be an important aspect to look at in addition to these 14 factors, and has a key role in reducing the risk of chronic diseases that affect dementia risk. Speaking ahead of World Brain Day, Dr Patty Francis, president of the Neurological Association of South Africa, said dementia is no longer an inevitable consequence of old age, but 'the result of decades-long exposure to modifiable risk factors'. Dr Francis said the brain is highly sensitive to long-term physical, emotional, and environmental stressors. 'The rise in dementia in our region is deeply concerning, considering that we carry high burdens of HIV, hypertension, diabetes and stroke, all of which are linked to increased dementia risk,' she said. 'The most powerful message we can share this World Brain Day is that dementia is not just about ageing, it's about lifelong brain health. What we do in our 30s, 40s and 50s has a direct impact on our risk later in life.' Although addressing risk factors at an early stage of life is desirable, there is also a benefit from tackling risk throughout life; it is never too early or too late to reduce dementia risk. 'Dementia does not happen overnight. It often starts with decades of unmanaged risk factors such as high blood pressure, physical inactivity, obesity, smoking, poor sleep, alcohol abuse, and hearing loss, all of which silently damage brain tissue. When addressing these, research shows dementia could be prevented or delayed in up to four in 10 cases.' 'Every stage of life offers an opportunity to protect your brain,' said Dr Francis. 'From maternal nutrition to childhood immunisation, and from midlife stress management, to staying socially connected in older age. Preventions start early and are lifelong.' While dementia presents differently in each person, common warning signs include: – Memory loss that disrupts daily life – Difficulty performing familiar tasks – Language problems such as difficulty in speaking or writing – Confusion with time and place – Trouble understanding visual images – Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace one's steps – Decreased or poor judgement – Personality or mood changes – Withdrawal from work or social activities – Problems with reasoning or problem-solving. Other red flags include trouble with planning and organising, poor co-ordination and control of movements, and confusion and disorientation. 'It's important not to dismiss symptoms as just getting older,' Dr Francis said. 'Even in younger adults, persistent cognitive changes should be assessed by a neurologist or specialist physician.' Some forms of dementia are amenable to therapy, such as HIV-related dementia or deficiency in vitamin B12. While there is currently no cure for Alzheimer's disease, early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow progression and improve quality of life, with options, including: – Medication to manage cognitive symptoms and behaviour – Cognitive rehabilitation – Occupational therapy – Management of underlying conditions like hypertension or diabetes. Dr Francis said new drug developments, such as anti-amyloid therapies, are promising but remain costly and limited in availability in most low- and middle-income countries. 'In South Africa, our most urgent need is access to early screening and specialist care, particularly in under-resourced communities. 'We also need to destigmatise dementia, so families feel supported, rather than isolated,' she added. 'This World Brain Day, we are calling on all South Africans to prioritise brain health from the earliest stages of life. 'Healthy brains build healthy communities and the power to prevent dementia starts with awareness, education and action.' If you suspect someone you know is showing signs of dementia, you can get support and guidance from your local GP or community clinics for referral to specialists, or Alzheimer's South Africa. A workshop on dementia will be held on August 20 at the Sungardens Hospice in Lynnwood, Pretoria, by Alzheimer's South Africa from 09:00 to 13:00. More information is available from Welma Geldenhuys, who can be called on 082 821 4862, or visit the ADASA website on Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord's websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
The Citizen
2 days ago
- The Citizen
Motsoaledi urges innovation to end TB
Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has stressed the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat tuberculosis (TB), a disease that has historically affected not just South Africa but also countries around the world. 'We are here because we believe that TB – a disease that has shaped the history and health of our country and indeed, the whole world – can be ended. Not through words alone, but through action, partnership, and innovation,' he said on Thursday. The Minister was delivering a keynote address at the country's TB Vaccine Preparedness Workshop held in Johannesburg. The workshop is aimed at advancing policy and decision-making for the introduction of TB vaccines. Addressing policymakers, scientists and community leaders, Motsoaledi stated that the upcoming phase will introduce preventative TB vaccination measures, which will also enhance the ongoing fight against HIV and Aids. For over a century, South Africa has relied on the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine to protect its children from TB, but the Minister pointed out that there has been no tool that can protect adolescents and adults. 'These are the very groups most at risk of getting sick and transmitting TB.' With several new TB vaccine candidates in the late stages of clinical trials, the most promising options are expected to be available in the next few years. This workshop positioned the country as one of the first that is ready to deliver a new generation of TB vaccines to the most vulnerable populations, including adolescents and adults. The Minister expressed confidence that the upcoming clinical trials would yield positive results, potentially leading to a new vaccine for older age groups within the next few years. TB is a leading cause of death from an infectious disease and a major contributor to ill-health in South Africa and globally. 'Imagine the day when we announce the availability of the vaccine for tuberculosis,' he said, likening it to 'the day of true freedom from slavery' for those suffering from the disease. Motsoaledi described the disease as a form of 'devastating slavery' that exacerbates poverty and leads to premature death. 'South Africa is not waiting for the world to act. We are preparing – intentionally, early and inclusively.' The Minister has used the first national gathering dedicated to the TB vaccine readiness platform to reiterate South Africa's commitment to lead by example in the global fight against TB and HIV. 'When South Africa wins against TB and HIV and Aids the world will win the war,' he said. He told the attendees that through his tenure as Health Minister, he consistently sought to elevate the profile of TB on a global scale. Motsoaledi recalled his 2018 address at the United Nations, where he rallied for world leaders to commit to addressing the TB crisis. 'While global attention has often turned to emerging health threats, South Africa has remained focused on the enduring challenge of TB,' he said. He also acknowledged the disease's severe impact on communities already struggling with HIV. 'Today's discussions remind us that vaccine introduction is not just about science – it is about health systems. It is about trust. It is about readiness.' He also used the platform to emphasise the importance of preparing the health sector for the rollout of the TB vaccine. The agenda for the workshop highlighted key thematic areas crucial for readiness, including generating evidence for policy and investment, strengthening delivery systems for TB vaccines, and ensuring manufacturing and supply chain readiness. 'Investment in human life means everything,' he said, stressing the need for robust financial backing to ensure effective vaccine deployment. The Minister took the time to urge stakeholders to foster community trust and strong advocacy to ensure widespread acceptance of the TB vaccine upon its introduction. 'We must walk the path with our people,' he said. –
