Webinar Summary: SEADF Bangla Chapter
Inaugural academic webinar of the Southeast Asian Diabetes Foundation (SEADF) Bangla chapter, which focuses on advancements in diabetes management and specific clinical case discussions.
- Welcome and Introductions: The session began with opening remarks from leadership, who emphasized the chapter’s goal of fostering collaborative academic activities across state chapters. The importance of keeping abreast of evolving diabetes management strategies was highlighted.
- Case Presentation: Diabetes in Down Syndrome:
- The first presentation featured a 20-year-old male with Down syndrome and young-onset diabetes, characterized by recurrent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and a lean habitus.
- The panel discussed the challenges in differentiating between Type 1 and Type 1B diabetes in this patient, noting that autoantibody results can be negative, particularly after a long duration of the disease.
- The importance of C-peptide levels and proper clinical evaluation was stressed to guide management.
- Discussion on “Type 5” / Malnutrition-Related Diabetes:
- A second case presentation introduced the concept of malnutrition-modulated diabetes, often referred to as “Type 5” diabetes.
- Expert panelists defined this condition as occurring in individuals with a low BMI (typically <18.5 kg/m²), insulinopenia, and evidence of negative insulin resistance, often linked to childhood undernutrition.
- The discussion addressed the evolving nomenclature, shifting from “Malnutrition-Related Diabetes Mellitus” (MRDM) to undernutrition-associated forms, noting that while the pancreas may show beta-cell insufficiency, these patients often require heterogeneous therapeutic approaches rather than a “one size fits all” strategy.
- Future Research and Closing:
- The panelists identified key areas for future research, including the need for global registries, the identification of potential biomarkers (such as specific microRNAs), and metabolic studies to understand why only a subset of malnourished individuals develop this form of diabetes.
- The webinar concluded with acknowledgments of the digital team and organizers, with plans for continued monthly academic meetings.
