RESEARCHERS ARE EXPLORING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN INSULIN RESISTANCE AND BRAIN DYSFUNCTION
You may be familiar with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, but there’s another term you may come across in discussions about Alzheimer’s disease: Type 3 diabetes. Some researchers use this term to describe a possible relationship between insulin resistance in the brain, disruptions in insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) signalling, and Alzheimer’s disease. Research is still developing, but scientists are investigating how changes in insulin-related pathways may contribute to dementia and cognitive decline. Pasted markdown
Key takeaways
- “Type 3 diabetes” is a research term describing a proposed connection between insulin resistance in the brain and Alzheimer’s disease; it is not an officially recognised type of diabetes. Pasted markdown
- Research has found a strong association between Type 2 diabetes and a higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Pasted markdown
- There are currently no formal diagnostic criteria or established treatment protocols for Type 3 diabetes. Pasted markdown
- Regular exercise, a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, managing blood sugar, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress may help address risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
What is Type 3 diabetes?
“Type 3 diabetes” is a term some researchers use to describe a proposed connection between insulin resistance in the brain and Alzheimer’s disease. One study suggested that impaired insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) signalling in the brain may contribute to molecular changes associated with Alzheimer’s.
However, Type 3 diabetes is not an officially recognised diagnosis by major health organisations or the American Diabetes Association. Researchers may use the term to describe the theory that brain cells becoming less responsive to insulin could affect processes involved in memory and learning.
The link between Alzheimer’s and diabetes
Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects cognitive function and is associated with multiple factors, including genetic propensities, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, severe head trauma, and a history of depression.
Diabetes mellitus occurs when the body can’t effectively convert blood sugar energy, which causes blood glucose levels to be too high. There are four commonly accepted kinds of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes: A problem with the immune system prevents the pancreas from producing enough insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes: The body becomes unable to use insulin correctly or produce adequate insulin, and blood sugar levels become too high.
- Gestational diabetes: During pregnancy, the body cannot produce enough insulin or use insulin correctly, and blood sugar levels become too high.
- Prediabetes: A condition when blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes.
There is an established association between Type 2 diabetes and dementia: Type 2 diabetes, especially when uncontrolled or undiagnosed, can damage blood vessels in the brain, which can lead to cognitive decline, according to Dr. Xie. Type 2 diabetes can also cause systemic inflammation, which may damage the brain and cause cognitive impairment.
Despite this connection, the scientific community is still trying to fully understand the causes of Alzheimer’s disease and its relationship to diabetes. Researchers suggest that Type 3 diabetes occurs when your brain stops responding well to insulin, which impacts memory and learning capabilities.
Possible Causes and Risk Factors
Research into Type 3 diabetes remains preliminary, but proposed factors include insulin resistance, genetics, and age.
Insulin resistance
Some research suggests that brain neurons may become less responsive to insulin. Since insulin signalling plays a role in processes associated with learning and memory, researchers are investigating whether brain insulin resistance could contribute to Alzheimer’s disease.
Genetics
Genetic factors may also influence the relationship between insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease. The source specifically discusses the APOE4 gene, which has been associated with Alzheimer’s disease and may affect how efficiently the brain uses insulin, particularly in older adults.
Age
There isn’t specific research establishing age as a cause of Type 3 diabetes. However, advancing age is generally associated with a greater risk of diabetes, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. According to the source, most Alzheimer’s cases occur in people over age 65.
Type 3 diabetes symptoms
Because Type 3 diabetes is a proposed term associated with Alzheimer’s disease rather than an established medical diagnosis, its potential symptoms are generally described in terms of Alzheimer’s-related cognitive changes.
Possible symptoms include:
- Memory problems
- Increasing difficulty finding or remembering words
- Reduced awareness of surroundings
- Problems with reasoning, judgment, or decision-making
- Repeatedly asking the same questions
- Difficulty handling everyday activities or finances
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Frequently misplacing belongings in unusual locations
- Personality changes
- Changes in mood
How Is Type 3 Diabetes Diagnosed and Treated?
There are currently no established diagnostic criteria for Type 3 diabetes, so it cannot be formally diagnosed as a distinct condition.
Alzheimer’s disease, however, can be evaluated using a person’s medical history, neurological examination, and cognitive testing.
Likewise, there is no standard treatment protocol for Type 3 diabetes because the concept remains under investigation. The source notes that researchers have studied approaches such as intranasal insulin in hopes of helping Alzheimer’s patients whose disease may involve insulin resistance.
There are established treatments for both diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Depending on the individual’s situation, healthcare providers may recommend medications alongside lifestyle measures that address factors such as insulin resistance.
Although there isn’t research showing that Type 3 diabetes itself can be reversed, insulin resistance can potentially be improved. The source highlights weight management and a diet lower in processed carbohydrates and added sugar as important approaches.
Can Type 3 Diabetes Be Prevented?
Some factors associated with Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes—such as age and family history—cannot be changed. However, lifestyle choices may influence some of the modifiable risk factors.
The source recommends these strategies:
Exercise aerobically: Regular aerobic activity can support glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Include strength training: Resistance exercise may improve insulin sensitivity and help lower elevated blood sugar.
Limit added sugar and simple carbohydrates: Focus on a diet that minimises these foods.
Use potentially beneficial spices: Turmeric, cinnamon, and oregano are highlighted for their potential anti-inflammatory and glucose-lowering properties.
Maintain a healthy weight: Healthy weight management can help address insulin resistance.
Manage blood sugar: Keep glucose levels within a healthy range and take prescribed medications as directed.
Prioritise sleep: Getting adequate rest is part of maintaining overall metabolic and brain health.
Manage stress: Ongoing stress management may support overall health.
Bottom Line
Type 3 diabetes is not an officially recognised type of diabetes. It is a research term used to describe a proposed relationship between brain insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease.
The connection between Type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of dementia is better established, but researchers are still working to understand exactly how insulin resistance, genetics, ageing, and other factors may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease. If you’re concerned about your risk, working with a healthcare provider to manage blood sugar, physical activity, weight, sleep, diet, and other health factors can be an important part of preventive care.
Source: SingleCare