Emerging research suggests that Alzheimer’s might actually be a form of diabetes that affects the brain, earning it the nickname “Type 3 Diabetes.” This intriguing connection opens up new possibilities for understanding and managing one of the most challenging diseases of our time. This article explores the fascinating link between type 3 diabetes, dementia, and Alzheimer’s and provides tips to prevent type 3 diabetes.
What Is Type 3 Diabetes?
Type 3 diabetes has no proper definition and is currently not an “official” medical term. Most refer to this as type 2’s progression to Alzheimer’s disease.
Researchers propose that Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) might represent “type 3 diabetes” because of similarities with diabetes in terms of brain insulin resistance and deficiency.
Thus, it can be called “Diabetes of the Brain.” Here, the brain cells or neurons get starved of glucose, which causes a reduction in memory, judgment, reasoning, and insight, which characterizes Alzheimer’s.
It is not the same as type 3c diabetes, which is caused by pancreatic damage.
Causes And Symptoms
Causes:
The potential risk factors that may cause type 3 diabetes, as per a 2020 study, comprise:
- Family history
- Genetics
- Birth weight
- A diet rich in fats, sugar & calories, and low fiber content
- No physical activity
- Low socioeconomic status
- Ethnicity and race
- Stress
Symptoms:
The type 3 diabetes symptoms are similar to those of Alzheimer’s and other dementia types, including:
- Memory loss, which impacts social interactions and day-to-day living
- Challenges in doing familiar tasks
- Often misplacing things
- Decreased judgment
- Changes in mood & personality
It’s important to note that while some memory and habit changes are normal with aging, ongoing and notable alterations could signal type 3 diabetes.
Type 3C Diabetes
Type 3c diabetes occurs due to damage in the pancreas that results from multiple factors.
It occurs due to several conditions that may impact the pancreas, like cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis, acute pancreatitis, or hemochromatosis.
Type 3c diabetes may also develop from the removal of the pancreas for some damage. Its common symptoms are:
- Unintended weight loss
- Unusual tiredness
- Stomach ache
- Diarrhea
- Frequent flatulence
- Stools that are oily or fatty
- Hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar
Type 3 Diabetes, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s: What’s The Link?
Type 3 diabetes occurs when the brain neurons fail to respond to insulin, which is crucial for basic tasks like learning and memory.
Researchers state that this absence of insulin has a direct link with Alzheimer’s or another type of dementia’s cognitive decline.
They believe Alzheimer’s disease is diabetes in the brain that slowly erases memory through alteration of the gray matter.
The uncontrollable rise in blood sugar levels results in inflammation that can damage the brain cells, leading to Alzheimer’s and dementia.
The link between type 3 diabetes, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is still under study. But the three have a strong connection.
Managing blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes and a balanced diet can be crucial for reducing the risks of developing such conditions.
Why Is Alzheimer’s Called Type 3 Diabetes?
Some members of the scientific community propose terming Alzheimer’s as “type 3 diabetes” because of the shared molecular and cellular pathways between the two conditions.
In fact, studies suggest that insulin deficiency and resistance are seen as early indicators of neurodegeneration (damage to brain cells) in Alzheimer’s.
- Insulin resistance in the brain, where cells do not respond normally to insulin, can lead to high blood glucose levels and impact the brain’s metabolism processes.
- While diabetes may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, not everyone with diabetes develops the condition, indicating a complex interplay between various factors.
- Researchers are exploring potential treatments for Alzheimer’s by targeting insulin resistance, with ongoing efforts to understand the complex interaction between diabetes and Alzheimer’s at a molecular and cellular level.
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Type 3 Diabetes vs. Dementia: What’s The Difference?
Dementia:
- Recognized medical condition involving a decline in mental abilities that interferes with daily life
- Caused by various underlying conditions, most often Alzheimer’s disease
- Symptoms include memory problems, trouble with familiar tasks, confusion, personality changes, and language difficulties
Type 3 diabetes:
- This is not an officially recognized medical diagnosis
- It is a theory proposed by some researchers to explain a possible cause of Alzheimer’s disease
- The theory suggests that Alzheimer’s may be linked to insulin resistance in brain cells, disrupting brain function
Key Differences
| Feature | Dementia | Type 3 diabetes (theory) |
| Recognition | Established medical condition | Proposed cause of Alzheimer’s |
| Specificity | Umbrella term for cognitive decline | Insulin resistance in brain cells |
| Underlying causes | Various (e.g., Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia) | Specifically linked to Alzheimer’s |
| Treatment | Varies depending on the cause | No specific treatment yet |
The similarities:
- Both dementia and the theory of type 3 diabetes involve problems with memory and cognitive abilities.
Who Gets Type 3 Diabetes? Risk Factors
Type 3 diabetes, linked to Alzheimer’s, can affect anyone, but various factors contribute to the risk:
- Diet: High calorie, sugar, and fat intake, coupled with low fiber consumption.
- Socioeconomic status: Lower socioeconomic status may contribute to the risk.
- Stress: Exposure to stress can play a role.
- Race and ethnicity: Specific racial and ethnic groups may have higher susceptibility.
- Physical activity: Lack of physical activity elevates the risk.
- Genetics: Family history and specific genes, like APOE4, elevate the risk.
- Birth weight: Higher birth weight might be a factor.
- Blood pressure and lipid levels: High blood pressure and impaired lipid transportation are associated with increased risk.
- Chronic health conditions: Certain conditions like depression and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also heighten the risk.
How Is Type 3 Diabetes Diagnosed And Treated?
Type 3 diabetes, associated with Alzheimer’s, lacks a single test. Doctors diagnose it using various methods and suggest treatment plans addressing both conditions.
Diagnosis
- Neurological examination: This assesses symptoms and cognitive function related to Alzheimer’s.
- Medical background check: This involves reviewing your family history and personal health information.
- Neurophysiological testing: This includes brain imaging scans like MRIs and CT scans to visualize brain activity.
- Blood sugar analysis: Fasting blood sugar and A1c tests help evaluate your diabetes risk.
Treatment
Early action is crucial to reduce possible harm. Here’s an overview of treatment choices:
- Lifestyle adjustments:
- Weight management: Losing around 7% of your body weight can help prevent the progression of type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and reduce organ damage.
- Dietary modifications: A low-fat diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve symptoms.
- Smoking discontinuation: Quitting smoking can significantly aid in managing the condition.
- Medications:
- For T2D: Medications like metformin may be prescribed. Research is ongoing to explore potential benefits for Alzheimer’s.
- For Alzheimer’s: Medications target cognitive symptoms and may include:
- Anti-amyloid antibody infusions (e.g., aducanumab, lecanemab)
- Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine)
- Memantine: This helps manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
- Management of mood changes:
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications: These may address mood swings and depression associated with Alzheimer’s.
- Antipsychotic therapy: This might be necessary in the later stages of the disease.
Important note:
Before initiating any treatment for type 3 diabetes and Alzheimer’s, seek guidance from your doctor to ensure personalized and safe management.
Can Type 3 Diabetes Be Reversed?
There isn’t currently any research on reversing type 3 diabetes because it’s not a recognized medical diagnosis.
However, the theory behind it focuses on insulin resistance in the brain, and insulin resistance can improve in some cases.
Incorporating a diet low in sugar and processed carbohydrates, alongside weight loss efforts, might enhance overall insulin sensitivity, which could extend to brain function.
Foods That Help Avoid Type 3 Diabetes
Research suggests specific diets may help brain health, but there’s no proven food or diet to prevent type 3 diabetes (linked to Alzheimer’s via insulin resistance).
Here are two promising dietary patterns:
- Mediterranean diet: Packed with fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, fish, and olive oil while cutting back on red meat, eggs, and sweets.
- MIND diet: Combines Mediterranean and DASH (blood pressure control) diet elements. It includes:
- Vegetables, especially leafy greens
- Berries over other fruits
- Whole grains
- Beans
- Nuts
- Fish (at least once a week)
- Olive oil
- Limit: Red meat, sweets, cheese, butter/margarine, and fast/fried food.
Why it matters: These diets might help by:
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting brain cell function
- Promoting blood vessel health (essential for brain function)
Remember:
- A healthy lifestyle with good sleep, regular exercise, and stress management is also crucial for brain health.
- This information is for general guidance. Consult a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Summary
Type 3 diabetes is a suggested hypothesis that connects Alzheimer’s disease to insulin resistance in the brain. It’s not a recognized medical diagnosis.
Both Alzheimer’s and type 3 diabetes (theory) involve memory and thinking problems.
Risk factors for type 3 diabetes include diet, stress, genetics, and lack of physical activity.
There’s no specific diagnosis or treatment for type 3 diabetes, but managing Alzheimer’s may involve medications, lifestyle changes, and managing mood swings.
While no single food prevents type 3 diabetes, the Mediterranean and MIND diets might promote brain health.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise, sleep, and stress management is crucial for brain health.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7246646
https://www.healthline.com/health/type-3-diabetes
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/145855
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-pancreatitis
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-pancreatitis
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/related-conditions/haemochromatosis-diabetes
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/hypos
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/type-3-diabetes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22206-insulin-resistance
