A new type of diabetes was recently recognized by the International Diabetes Federation, called Type 5 Diabetes.

Apart from Type 1 and Type 2, type 5 diabetes, also known as ‘maturity of youth’, affects children for most genetic reasons. Since it is rare, it often becomes uncontrolled in India.

Type 5 diabetes is a genetic condition due to a gene, a gene, HNF1B gene. It usually starts at an early age and is affected only by blood sugar. It also spreads to organs such as kidney, pancreas and reproductive system.

How is type 5 diabetes different?

Type 5 is inherited diabetes and usually presents at an early age. Apart from the kidneys, genetic disease also affects the reproductive system. It is often incorrect as type 1 or type 2, as it mimics the symptoms of both forms.

Dr. Advisor to Endocrinology and Diabetes at PSRI Hospital. According to Himika Chawla, the symptoms of type 5 diabetes are compared to type 1 (autoimmune) or type 2 (insulin resistance) as it includes abnormalities in the kidney and reproductive system.

Diet and exercise are important, but type 5 almost always requires medication to control blood sugar and protect organ function.

“While a healthy diet and exercise control blood sugar, this type often requires medical intervention. Patients usually require oral antidiabic drugs or insulin therapy, and, given its effect on renal function, requires regular monitoring,” Dr. Chawla said.

Standing out of this type causes symptoms beyond blood sugar issues, such as kidney cysts, pancreatic dysplasia, hypomagnesimia, an electrolyte abnormality that can help diagnosis and electrolyte disturbances, especially low serum magnesium.

Failing to diagnose correctly can mean that patients get improper care, which becomes dangerous if the complications of the organ become infinite.

In fact, a 2022 study in 15 countries found that 88.24% genetically confirmed type 5 diabetes patients were diagnosed before the age of 25, further emphasizing its onset and abortion ability.

How is type 5 diabetes treated?

“Unlike type 1 diabetes, insulin (hormones) are not required immediately, and unlike type 2, insulin resistance is not the main issue.

Dr. Chawla said, “Patients can initially respond to sulfonylurus, but many will need insulin later.” However, research suggests that oral antidiabetics such as sulfonyaluras often underporcers, possibly caused by structural pancreatic defects.

New treatment options are being detected, such as GLP -1 drugs such as liraglutide that can help some patients by promoting insulin production, even if their organs are not fully developed.

Since type 5 diabetes is being recognized by experts, Dr. Chawla said that the first step is awareness in the form of awareness of educating healthcare professionals and involving cheap genetic testing, our clinical procedures can improve the care of patients in India.