Type 5 diabetes is a new form recognized for its connection to chronic malnutrition. Unlike other types, it primarily affects lean individuals with a low body mass index.

Type 5 diabetes impacts millions, especially in low-income countries. It's often overlooked due to its unique presentation in lean, malnourished youth, linking malnutrition directly to high diabetes rates in vulnerable populations.

This type of diabetes results from childhood malnutrition leading to impaired pancreatic function. Key contributors include insufficient nutrient intake and socioeconomic factors, distinguishing it from diabetes linked to obesity and lifestyle.

Symptoms of Type 5 diabetes include extreme fatigue, noticeable weight loss, and frequent infections. Its atypical presentation in young, malnourished individuals can lead to misdiagnosis, emphasizing the need for accurate awareness and diagnosis.

Countries like India face rising rates of Type 5 diabetes, driven by ongoing childhood malnutrition. This hidden crisis adds strain to healthcare systems grappling with the dual challenge of diabetes and poverty.

Management focuses on improving nutrition, insulin therapy, and regular monitoring. Addressing malnutrition from an early age is essential to prevent serious health issues and manage Type 5 diabetes effectively.

The recognition of Type 5 diabetes paves the way for targeted research and public health strategies. Emphasizing nutrition's role in diabetes prevention, it calls for collaborative efforts to improve health outcomes.