#United States #Bronx #diabetes research #Type 5 Diabetes #Albert Einstein College

New Type of Diabetes Recognized by IDF

In a groundbreaking development in the field of diabetes research, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially designated malnutrition-related diabetes as a distinct form of the disease, termed type 5 diabetes. This significant recognition stems from the influential research conducted by Dr. Meredith Hawkins at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Malnutrition-related diabetes, which predominantly impacts lean and malnourished adolescents and young adults, has long been misunderstood and underdiagnosed. Dr. Hawkins emphasized the importance of this formal recognition. She stated, "The IDF's acknowledgment of malnutrition-related diabetes as type 5 is a crucial advancement in raising awareness of a severe health challenge that affects many vulnerable populations around the globe."

Traditionally, diabetes caused by obesity, known as type 2 diabetes, has been the most prevalent form of diabetes in lower-income countries. However, a troubling trend has emerged, as young individuals increasingly present with diabetes linked to undernutrition rather than overnutrition. Currently, it is estimated that type 5 diabetes affects around 20 to 25 million individuals worldwide, especially in regions throughout Asia and Africa. Alarmingly, individuals diagnosed with this form of diabetes often have a grim prognosis, with many not surviving beyond one year post-diagnosis.

Malnutrition-related diabetes was first identified approximately seven decades ago, highlighting a significant incidence of the disease in impoverished communities. Initially recognized as a distinct form by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1985, this designation was rescinded in 1999 due to a lack of empirical support. However, Dr. Hawkins' awareness of the condition began in 2005 during global health discussions, where it became clear that many patients presented with a diabetes type that was neither type 1 nor type 2.

In 2010, she founded the Global Diabetes Institute at Albert Einstein College of Medicine, spearheading international initiatives to uncover the underlying metabolic issues associated with malnutrition-related diabetes. A pivotal 2022 study published in Diabetes Care provided critical insights, showcasing that malnutrition-related diabetes is fundamentally distinct from both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The research demonstrated that individuals with type 5 diabetes experience significant impairments in insulin secretion, challenging previous notions that it was primarily tied to insulin resistance.

In January 2025, Dr. Hawkins organized a pivotal international meeting in India, gathering experts to discuss the complexities of classifying and managing malnutrition-related diabetes. The consensus reached during the meeting, which included leading figures from the IDF and the American Diabetes Association, culminated in the unanimous decision to recognize this condition as a distinct type of diabetes.

Peter Schwarz, Ph.D., IDF President, announced this historic endorsement during the IDF World Diabetes Congress 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand. The newly established type 5 diabetes working group, co-chaired by Dr. Hawkins, is charged with developing diagnostic and treatment protocols over the next two years.

Dr. Hawkins highlighted the critical nature of this recognition, stating, "Malnutrition-related diabetes is more prevalent than tuberculosis and nearly as common as HIV/AIDS. The absence of an official designation has severely limited diagnosis and treatment advancements. I believe this formal recognition as type 5 diabetes will catalyze progress against a long-ignored disease that severely compromises health and often results in fatal outcomes."

Conclusion

This momentous development not only improves the understanding of diabetes but also aims to enhance research efforts and medical practices surrounding malnutrition-related diabetes. The type 5 diabetes designation is expected to lead to improved patient outcomes and increased global awareness of this serious health issue, propelling the global health community to mobilize in tackling a dire yet often overlooked public health crisis.

About Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine stands as one of the premier research, medical education, and clinical investigation centers in the United States. With a commitment to addressing pressing health issues, such as diabetes, Einstein continues to foster research collaboration that bridges the gap between scientific discovery and practice, ultimately aiming to improve health outcomes for diverse populations.