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Doctors in the UAE have raised alarms over a lesser-known, newly classified form of diabetes known as Type 5 diabetes, which stems not from obesity or sugar intake, but from chronic malnutrition during early development stages. The condition was officially recognised at the International Diabetes Federation’s World Diabetes Congress held in Bangkok on April 8.
Unlike Type 1, which is autoimmune, and Type 2, which is linked to insulin resistance and lifestyle factors, Type 5 diabetes originates from poor pancreatic development—a result of nutritional deficiencies during prenatal and childhood years, according to Dr Jobran Habeeb Al Salman of Burjeel Day Surgery Center, Shahama.
“This underdevelopment compromises the pancreas’s ability to produce insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy,” Dr Al Salman explained. He stressed that nutritional rehabilitation is equally important, as it addresses the root cause of the disease.
Dr Rajashaker Reddy K of Lifecare Hospital, Musaffah, added that Type 5 diabetes is often difficult to diagnose because its symptoms overlap with other forms. However, distinct signs such as stunted growth, low body weight, absence of autoimmune markers, and minimal insulin production distinguish it from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
“Patients are usually young, underweight, and without a family history of diabetes,” Dr Reddy said. He noted that misdiagnosis is common due to a lack of awareness among primary care providers.
Doctors emphasized the importance of early detection and a personalized treatment approach. While insulin is often required due to limited pancreatic function, a long-term nutritional strategy is essential to manage the condition effectively.
On the prevention front, Dr Al Salman highlighted that proper maternal and early childhood nutrition can significantly reduce the risk of developing Type 5 diabetes. “This condition is a stark reminder of how vital early-life nutrition is for long-term health,” he said.
With growing concerns over undernutrition in certain regions, doctors urge communities to stay informed. “Even slim, healthy-looking individuals can have diabetes,” Dr Al Salman warned. “Both healthcare providers and patients must consider nutritional history when dealing with unexplained diabetes cases.”
