The neglected epidemic of type 5 diabetes mellitus
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Type 5 diabetes (T5DM), also known as malnutrition-related diabetes, affects millions globally. Increased attention is needed for its diagnosis and management to prevent complications.
Area Of Science
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Global Health
Background
- Type 5 diabetes (T5DM), identified in 1955, is often overshadowed by Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
- It disproportionately affects malnourished adolescents in low- and middle-income countries, predominantly of Asian and African descent.
- Despite its prevalence, T5DM remains understudied, misunderstood, and misdiagnosed, leading to inadequate management and increased complication risks.
Purpose Of The Study
- To highlight the significance of Type 5 diabetes (T5DM) in global health.
- To underscore the need for improved diagnostic criteria and research for T5DM.
- To advocate for a comprehensive, global strategy to address T5DM.
Main Methods
- Review of historical data and recent international health congress discussions.
- Epidemiological estimation of affected populations.
- Analysis of diagnostic challenges and management implications.
Main Results
- T5DM affects an estimated 20 to 25 million individuals worldwide.
- The condition has been recognized for over 70 years but lacks sufficient research and clear diagnostic guidelines.
- Misdiagnosis of T5DM can lead to severe health complications.
Conclusions
- Type 5 diabetes requires urgent global attention and research.
- Developing standardized diagnostic criteria is crucial for effective T5DM management.
- A multifaceted, international approach is necessary to combat malnutrition-related diabetes effectively.
Related Concept Videos
Type 2 diabetes, characterized by insulin resistance, arises when the insulin receptors on cells lose responsiveness to insulin, diminishing the cell's capacity to take up glucose, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. To receive a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes, a series of blood glucose tests are necessary to assess whether the blood glucose falls within normal parameters. If the result is out of the normal range, a patient may be diagnosed as prediabetic or diabetic, depending on the...
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin production, insulin resistance, or both. The condition affects millions worldwide and can significantly impact their health and quality of life.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the body is unable to produce sufficient insulin, and individuals with...
Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia. The four categories of diabetes are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, other specific types of diabetes, and gestational diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
For most patients, experiencing several weeks of polyuria, polydipsia, fatigue, and significant weight loss may indicate the presence of diabetes. Furthermore, adults displaying the phenotypic appearance of type 2 diabetes (particularly those who are obese and not initially insulin-requiring), may have islet cell autoantibodies, suggesting autoimmune-mediated β cell destruction and a diagnosis of latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (LADA). The categorization of glucose homeostasis is...
The therapy for diabetes aims to alleviate hyperglycemia-related symptoms, prevent acute metabolic decompensation, and reduce chronic end-organ complications. Glycemic control is evaluated through short-term (self-monitoring, continuous glucose monitoring) and long-term (A1c, fructosamine) metrics, enabling near real-time tracking of blood glucose levels and reflecting glycemic control over specific time frames.
Insulin remains the cornerstone of treatment for most patients with type 1 and many...

