New Diabetes Category – Distinct Form Officially Recognized

When we hear the word diabetes, most of us think of type 1 or type 2. But the truth is, diabetes isn’t just two conditions—it’s an umbrella term for a group of diseases that all result in high blood sugar but have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. And now, the International Diabetes Federation has officially recognized a new one: type 5 diabetes.

Here’s a clear and simple guide to the most common—and some of the lesser-known—types of diabetes.

Type 1

This form of diabetes is caused by the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It can appear at any age, though it’s most commonly diagnosed in children and young adults.

It isn’t linked to lifestyle or diet. Instead, it’s likely triggered by a mix of genes and environmental factors like viral infections.

People with type 1 diabetes need lifelong insulin therapy, either through injections or pumps. Some with severe low blood sugar episodes may qualify for a transplant of insulin-producing cells from deceased donors or even stem-cell-based treatments. These treatments are promising but still not widely available.

Type 2

Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. It often shows up in adults, especially those with a high BMI, but even lean individuals can develop it if they have a genetic predisposition.

It’s more common among people of African, Caribbean, and South Asian descent.

Treatment often starts with lifestyle changes and medications. Metformin is the most widely used drug, improving insulin sensitivity and reducing sugar production in the liver. Many other medications exist, each with different actions.

In some cases, significant weight loss through a low-calorie diet—around 800 calories per day—can reverse the condition. One major study showed that 46 percent of people who maintained this diet for 12 months reversed their diabetes.

Gestational

This type develops during pregnancy, usually between weeks 24 and 28. Hormonal changes reduce the body’s ability to use insulin effectively.

Women at higher risk include those who are overweight, have a family history of diabetes, or belong to Middle Eastern, South Asian, African, or Caribbean ethnic groups. Older age and previous pregnancies with large babies also increase the risk.

Gestational diabetes often resolves after birth but can return in future pregnancies or develop into type 2 diabetes later in life.

Rare

Not all diabetes fits into the main types. Some are caused by single-gene mutations, medications, or physical damage to the pancreas.

Neonatal diabetes appears in the first months of life. Some cases respond to tablets that help the pancreas release insulin.

Maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) happens in younger adults and has a strong genetic link. There are several types of MODY, depending on the gene involved.

Type 3c diabetes is caused by damage to the pancreas, such as after pancreatitis or pancreatic surgery.

Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes affects about one-third of people with cystic fibrosis by age 40.

Type 5

The newest addition, type 5 diabetes, is linked to malnutrition, especially during early life. It’s more common in low-income countries and affects an estimated 20–25 million people.

Unlike type 1, type 5 is not caused by an immune attack. Instead, it’s believed that the pancreas doesn’t develop properly due to a lack of protein and nutrients during pregnancy or childhood.

This leads to a smaller pancreas with fewer insulin-producing cells. As a result, people with type 5 diabetes don’t make enough insulin—but for reasons entirely different from the other types.

Research with animals has shown that a low-protein diet in pregnancy can cause long-term problems with pancreas development, making this type more of a developmental issue than an autoimmune or lifestyle one.

Recognizing type 5 diabetes is a major step in improving care for people in poorer regions of the world, where malnutrition is still common.

Knowing the wide range of diabetes types is essential. Not every diagnosis should be treated the same way. Some people need insulin, others need tablets, while some benefit most from lifestyle changes. And now, with type 5 added to the list, the picture becomes even clearer.

Knowing which type you have isn’t just helpful—it’s critical for getting the right treatment and support.

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