Diabetes: Researchers discover new type of diabetes that affects millions worldwide

Until now the world knew two types of diabetes - Type 1 which is an acquired condition scripted in one's genes and Type 2 - basically, a condition caused due to factors like allied illnesses, sedentary lifestyles, stress, bad food habits, etc. Researchers have discovered a third type that is also difficult to treat.
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Diabetes: A blood sugar disorder triggered by how the insulin secretion is governed.

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Diabetes is a health condition that affects millions worldwide. There are two types of diabetes that we know of as of now.
  1. Type 1 is believed to be caused by an autoimmune reaction and develops early in life.
  2. Type 2 diabetes, however, develops over the course of many years and is mostly related to lifestyle factors such as being inactive and carrying excess weight. It’s usually (though not always) diagnosed in adults.
Express.co.uk reports that now researchers have discovered a third type.
The discovery has been made by researchers at the Einstein Global Diabetes Institute (EGDI), in conjunction with the Global Diabetes Institute. After years of study, they have published their findings in the journal Diabetes Care and further published by Diabetes.org. The EGDI scientists say that the newly discovered third type of diabetes is thought to be caused by malnutrition, and is subsequently referred to as malnutrition-related diabetes (MRD). They say it is more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia and tens of millions of people globally have been afflicted with it.
Meredith Hawkins, founding director of the EGDI, has been working for 12 years to identify the defects which result in malnutrition-related diabetes (MRD).
Dr Hawkins said of her research: “Current scientific literature offers no guidance on managing malnutrition-related diabetes, which is rare in high-income nations but exists in more than 60 low- and middle-income countries.
“The doctors in those countries read Western medical journals, so they don’t learn about malnutrition-related diabetes and don’t suspect it in their patients.
“We hope our findings will increase awareness of this disease, which is so devastating to so many people and will pave the way for effective treatment strategies.”
Difference between Type 1, Type 2, and Malnutrition-related Diabetes:
Basically, all types of diabetes stem from the body’s relationship with insulin and a form of insulin resistance. But MRD differs in how it interacts with the body and its metabolic processes. Dr Hawkins says that it turns out “that people with MRD have a very profound defect in insulin secretion”.
And therein lies the key to its treatment, says the researcher. Some recent drugs developed to treat type two diabetes can be used to treat MRD, predominantly those which boost insulin secretion from the pancreas.
Food insecurity at the root of diabetes:
Meanwhile, Diabetes.org says that "Research into a type of diabetes which affects tens of millions of people in low-income countries has led to a better understating of the condition and hopes that new drugs could be used to treat it."
A new study from Washington State University, US, suggests an increased prevalence of diabetes later in life for young adults at risk of food insecurity.
According to study findings published in the Journal of Nutrition, data culled from almost 4,000 people from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health showed that adults aged between 24-32 who were concerned about food running out showed greater potential for developing diabetes.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
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