New category of type-5 diabetes, thin people can also get diabetes

The common belief about diabetes has been that this disease occurs in overweight or obese people. But now medical experts are changing this thinking. At the Global Diabetes Conference held recently in Bangkok, health experts have warned that people with low BMI (body mass index), i.e. thin people can also be victims of diabetes.

Experts say that this is not a traditional type-1 or type-2 diabetes, but it is being recognized as a new category – type-5 diabetes. Type-5 diabetes is being identified in people whose BMI is less than normal but their body’s ability to process glucose becomes weak. Due to this, the sugar level in the body starts becoming uncontrolled.

What is BMI?

BMI (Body Mass Index) is measured based on the ratio of body weight and height. Generally, a BMI between 18.5 to 24.9 is considered healthy, while a person is classified as overweight or obese if it is 25 or more.

Who is at greater risk?

*People whose BMI is lower than normal

*People with a family history of diabetes

*People with stress, poor lifestyle or lack of nutrition

*People from South Asian countries, who have a slim body structure

Experts say that it is very important to spread awareness about type-5 diabetes, as its symptoms are often common and diagnosis may be delayed.

What are the remedies?

*Get regular checkups, even if you have lost weight

*Include a balanced diet and exercise in your daily routine

*Do not ignore symptoms like fatigue, excessive thirst or frequent urination

Doctors are of the opinion that type-5 diabetes is becoming a “silent threat”, especially for those people who consider themselves fit and healthy and do not get themselves checked.