Story perspectives

New Type 5 Diabetes Affects Millions, Urgent Management Needed

10/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Scientists recognize a new diabetes form, called type 5 diabetes, affecting 20 to 25 million people globally, particularly in Asia and Africa.
The condition stems from childhood malnutrition and causes insufficient insulin secretion without autoimmune or insulin-resistance features.
Treatment requires careful management, especially in low-income countries where food scarcity can trigger dangerous hypoglycemia.
The YODA study notes many young adults in sub-Saharan Africa exhibit this non-autoimmune type.

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Story summary

Scientists recognize a new diabetes form, called type 5 diabetes, affecting 20 to 25 million people globally, particularly in Asia and Africa.
The condition stems from childhood malnutrition and causes insufficient insulin secretion without autoimmune or insulin-resistance features.
Treatment requires careful management, especially in low-income countries where food scarcity can trigger dangerous hypoglycemia.
The YODA study notes many young adults in sub-Saharan Africa exhibit this non-autoimmune type.