Latest news with #PolinaTankilevitch
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Malnutrition, not sugar: the surprising truth about type 5 diabetes
Whether it's rooted in excess or scarcity, diabetes is a growing global crisis. Image: Polina Tankilevitch /pexels Type 5 Diabetes is real - and it's tied to malnutrition, not sugar. Here's what you need to know: For years, diabetes has been framed as a lifestyle condition linked to poor diet and weight gain, but that's not the full story. A new type of diabetes, now officially recognised by the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) as Type 5 diabetes, is turning that belief on its head. And it's hitting the world's poorest communities hardest. On April 9, Type 5 diabetes was formally added to the global classification system, the first new entry of its kind in decades. What makes this type different? It's caused not by overnutrition, but by chronic undernutrition and the people most at risk aren't those with excess fat, but those without enough food during critical early stages of development. 'Malnutrition‑related diabetes has historically been vastly under‑diagnosed and poorly understood,' said Dr Meredith Hawkins, endocrinologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and founding director of the Global Diabetes Institute (GDI), in an interview with Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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According to the IDF Diabetes Atlas (11th edition), about 20 to 25 million people are already living with this type a number that rivals HIV infection rates in the same regions. Unlike the familiar Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to high-calorie diets and obesity, Type 5 develops when the pancreas fails to develop fully in childhood due to nutrient deficiencies particularly low protein intake during pregnancy or adolescence. An article cited in "The Conversation" explains that rodent models have shown a clear connection between a low-protein diet and underdeveloped pancreases, which translates to reduced insulin production capacity. Simply put: if your body never built enough insulin-producing cells as a child, you're at higher risk for developing diabetes later even if you stay lean and active. This newly recognised condition is more than a medical milestone it's a call to rethink global health narratives. Most public awareness campaigns around diabetes centre on obesity, sugar, and sedentary lifestyles, often overlooking the fact that millions of people face a very different risk one rooted in poverty and food insecurity. This also exposes the health gap in countries battling undernutrition and limited access to healthcare. Type 5 diabetes often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, as it doesn't fit the typical profile healthcare workers are trained to look for. As Hawkins noted, expanding our understanding of diabetes types is not just about labels; it's about making sure the right people get the right treatment. Recognising Type 5 diabetes is just the beginning. Image: Nataliya Vaitkevich/pexels Types of diabetes Here's a simplified breakdown of the major types of diabetes to better understand where Type 5 fits in: Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells. Usually appears early in life. Not linked to diet or weight. Treated with lifelong insulin therapy Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type, often linked to obesity but not exclusively This can be reversed with diet, exercise, and medication (like Metformin) Ethnic background and genetics also play a role Managed through lifestyle changes, tablets or insulin Gestational Diabetes Temporary condition during pregnancy due to hormonal shifts. Increases the future risk of Type 2 diabetes. Treated with dietary changes, insulin or tablets. Type 5 Diabetes Caused by malnutrition during early development, not overeating. Common in lean people, especially in resource-poor countries. Requires a new clinical approach to diagnosis and treatment. Still under-recognised in mainstream health systems. Why nutritional equity is keyType 5 diabetes shines a spotlight on how early-life nutrition or the lack thereof can leave permanent damage. It also challenges the global focus on obesity as the face of diabetes, urging health systems to prioritise food security and maternal nutrition as long-term investments in public health. This is more than a medical discovery, it's a wake-up call. With nearly one in nine adults living with diabetes worldwide, and more than 250 million people undiagnosed (International Diabetes Federation, IDF), it's time to think of diabetes in a new light, one that looks at inequality, not just indulgence. Whether it's rooted in excess or scarcity, diabetes is a growing global crisis. Recognising Type 5 diabetes is just the beginning. Now, the challenge is making sure people in affected communities are seen, heard, and treated starting with redefining the narrative around who is at risk and why.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Move over, green tea! These 5 fruits pack a bigger antioxidant punch
Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and even peanut butter are great sources of vitamin E, along with healthy fats and fibre. Image: Polina Tankilevitch Winter in South Africa is a unique experience. Chilly mornings, cosy evenings, and let's be honest, two types of eaters: those who reach for nourishing, healthy foods, and those who find comfort in hearty, sometimes indulgent meals. Whether you're sipping rooibos by the fire or tucking into a spicy curry, the cold season draws out our cravings. But there's one health trend that unites both camps: antioxidants. If you've scrolled through HealthTok (the wellness side of TikTok) or browsed the shelves at Dis-Chem, you've seen the word 'antioxidant' everywhere. It's on teas, face creams, snack bars, and even frozen veggies. But what's the real story behind the antioxidant buzz? Are they really the magic bullet for health and longevity, or just another fad? What exactly are antioxidants? In simple terms, antioxidants are tiny molecules that help protect your body's cells from damage. Think of them as your body's own security guards, fighting off harmful 'free radicals' that can cause chronic health issues like diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. According to "Harvard Health", antioxidants are found in many plant-based foods, particularly in vitamins like C and E. But here's where it gets interesting. Antioxidants aren't just about what you eat, they're also used in food production to keep things fresher for longer. Just as they help preserve your food, they may help preserve you, too! Should you get antioxidants from food or supplements? A lot of us reach for supplements, thinking they're a quick fix. But the science says whole foods have the edge. For example, a cup of fresh strawberries packs about 80mg of vitamin C, plus a powerful cocktail of plant chemicals (polyphenols) like proanthocyanins and flavonoids. These natural compounds work together in ways that isolated supplements just can't match. According to "The Nutrition Source" at Harvard, taking a mega-dose vitamin C supplement (say, 500mg) won't give you the same benefits as eating an orange or a bowl of berries. Too much of a single antioxidant can sometimes do more harm than good, acting as a 'pro-oxidant' and causing cell damage instead of preventing it. What are the actual health advantages driving the hype? Research, including insights from registered dietitian Lori Barrett (RDN, LD), highlights that antioxidants may help lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and even brain decline, MindBodyGreen. They also have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, supporting your immune system during cold and flu season, a real bonus in winter. However, not all antioxidants are created equal. There are dozens of types, from vitamins to plant compounds. For instance, green tea is packed with catechins, especially EGCG, which is known to reduce inflammation and support brain health. Just one cup can have 50-100mg of catechins! Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Blackberries, blueberries, and plums pack potent antioxidant properties. Image: Lisa from Pexels Foods that beat green tea in antioxidants Dark fruits: Think blackberries, blueberries, and plums. The deeper the colour, the higher the antioxidant punch. Plums, for example, are loaded with phenolic acids and anthocyanins. Citrus: Oranges, naartjies, and grapefruit are all packed with vitamin C and flavonoids. These are SA staples, especially in winter. Apple: 'An apple a day keeps the doctor away' rings true, thanks to antioxidants like quercetin and phenolic acids. Oranges, naartjies, and grapefruits are loaded with vitamin C and flavonoids, making them perfect winter staples. Image: Lisa/Pixabay The old adage rings true 'an apple a day keeps the doctor away' thanks to antioxidants like quercetin and phenolic acids. Image: John Finkelstein /pexels Raisins, apricots, and dates offer a concentrated source of antioxidants. Just be cautious of excess added sugars. Image: Alex P /pexels Dried fruit: Raisins, apricots, and dates are South African favourites. With the water removed, their antioxidant content is even more concentrated. Just watch out for added sugars. Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and even peanut butter offer a healthy dose of vitamin E, plus fibre and healthy fats. Veggies: Don't forget spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and carrots. Carotenoids like beta-carotene give them their colour and their health benefits. Let's be real, winter is a time when we all crave a bit more comfort. And that's okay! The trick is to balance. As South Africans, we're lucky to have access to such a variety of fresh produce, even in winter. By making small, mindful choices, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: comfort and health. So next time you're shopping at your local market, remember antioxidants aren't just a trend. They're a delicious, natural way to boost your health, fight winter bugs, and keep you glowing all season long.
