Officially Recognized, Type 5 Diabetes Has Different Symptoms And Handling

Diabetes (Photo: Freepik/rawpixel.com)

JAKARTA - After decades of being suspected of being a type of diabetes related to malnutrition, type 5 diabetes is finally officially recognized by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) or the International Diabetes Federation.

A team from Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore together with Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York conducted research for 8 years. They managed to prove that type 5 diabetes is indeed different from type 1 or type 2.

"This is a unique form of diabetes, and we have to recognize it so we can treat it properly," explained Dr. Nihal Thomas, professor of endocrinology of CMC Vellore, quoted from the Times of India page.

Type 5 diabetes is estimated to be experienced by about 25 million people in the world. However, this number can be much larger. Populations susceptible to this condition are found in poor areas such as South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Sub-Saharan Africa, areas that also often lack access to health services and accurate diagnosis.

"Many cases are wrong, they are mistaken for type 1 or type 2, because there is no right diagnosis tool in the field," said Dr. Thomas.

To ensure type 5 diagnosis, special tests such as pancreatic ultrasound, c-peptide tests (to see the body's ability to produce insulin), as well as GAD antibody checks to get rid of the possibility of type 1 diabetes. Unfortunately, this examination is not yet common in many basic health facilities.

Unlike type 2 which is marked by insulin resistance, in type 5 diabetes the body does not produce enough insulin, similar to type 1, but without complications such as ketoacidosis. Surprisingly, around 50% of type 5 diabetes patients can actually be treated only with drugs and do not require insulin injections. However, there is no standard guide yet.

"Some patients still need insulin, maybe this is a subtype of type 5. This is a question that must be answered through research," explained Dr. Thomas.

Since type 5 diabetes is closely related to malnutrition, the treatment approach is different. Patients often come from poor families with low diets of calories and protein since childhood. Research shows an increase in calorie and protein intake can help, although patients remain in the low weight category.

In addition, resistance exercise is also recommended, although many patients are used to doing daily physical work.

"We need more field clinical studies to know what diet and physical activity are the most effective," said Dr. Thomas.

In addition to the lack of research, there are also socio-political factors that also affect the recognition of type 5 diabetes.

"Not all countries want to admit that malnutrition is still a national problem," said Dr. Thomas.

The term 'malnutrition-related diabetes' itself is considered less attractive and can cause stigma.

"Therefore, giving a new name, namely Type 5 Diabetes is expected to encourage research interests and policy attention. Support also comes from the international medical community, including from the President of the International Diabetes Federation," Dr. Peter Schwarz.

Although it has not officially returned to WHO classification, type 5 diabetes has now been recognized globally and is listed in the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This admission paved the way for further research, as well as a more inclusive health policy for the poorest community group.

"This is just the beginning. With this recognition, we have the opportunity to change the fate of millions of people who have been invisible so far", said Dr. Thomas.