Link between Alzheimer’s disease and Type 3 diabetes

The phrase “type 3 diabetes” refers to the theory that a particular form of resistance to insulin and a growth factor similar to insulin malfunction that happens in the brain is what causes Alzheimer’s disease.

Some have also used this term to characterize individuals with T2D who are also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Diabetes 3 is a very contentious diagnosis that is not generally recognized as a clinical diagnostic in the medical world.

Type 3c diabetes mellitus is another name for diabetes also termed T3cDM. Pancreatic disorders are the cause of this kind of diabetes. Even though it goes by the same title, this is a different illness.

Co-relation:

Scholars have investigated a potential connection among diabetes and the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Some people speculate that insulin resistance in the brain could be the cause of Alzheimer’s. Although there is some scientific evidence to support this argument, it is a little oversimplified.

Type three diabetes can harm your blood arteries over time, including the ones in your brain, if it is left untreated. The fact that many T2D sufferers are unaware of their illness could postpone diagnosis and treatment.

As a result, people with T2D—especially those with undiagnosed diabetes—are more vulnerable to this kind of harm. Alzheimer’s disease may also be exacerbated by diabetes-related chemical abnormalities in the brain. High blood sugar also causes inflammation, which can harm brain tissue.

Diabetes 3 is regarded as a contributory factor for Alzheimer’s disease because of these factors. With distinct symptoms, dementia of the vascular system is a diagnosable condition in and of itself. It might also be an early indicator of future Alzheimer’s disease overlap.

This process’s science is currently unknown. As of right now, it is known that there are individuals with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and other types, that have no proven connection to insulin resistance.

Understanding Alzheimer’s disease, its etiology, and its connection to diabetes remain a challenge for scientists.

Causes of type 3 diabetes and its risk factors:

People with T2D are more inclined to acquire Alzheimer’s disease or dementia caused by vascular damage, based on a 2022 review of research.

In this 2016 study over 100,000 dementia patients participated. It revealed that women with type 2 diabetes were more likely than men to experience type three diabetes.

Family histories of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, being overweight, and other chronic illnesses like depression and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can all be risk factors for type 2 diabetes.

Type 3 diabetes symptoms:

The signs of dementia, like those observed in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease, may be present in the postulated type 3 diabetes syndrome.

The Alzheimer’s Association lists the following as examples of these symptoms:

  • memory loss affecting day-to-day activities and social relationships
  • having trouble finishing routine tasks
  • losing items frequently impaired capacity to generate conclusions from information abrupt shifts in demeanor or personality
  • Identifying type 3 diabetes

Since type 3 diabetes is not a recognized diagnosis, there is no particular test for it. A neurologic assessment, history of medical conditions, and neurophysiological tests are used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease.

Type 3 diabetes treatment:

A medical expert will inquire about type 3 diabetes symptoms and family history in multiple ways.

Imaging tests, such head CT and MRI scans, can provide a clinician with an image of your brain’s functioning. Alzheimer’s disease markers can also be found by cerebrospinal fluid testing.

A doctor might prescribe an A1c hemoglobin test and a test for fasting blood sugars if you exhibit signs of both Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes but neither diagnosis is made.

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you should start medication right once. By managing T2D, you may be able to reduce harm to your body—including brain damage—and delay the onset of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Management of type 3 diabetes

Since diabetes 3 is not a recognized diagnosis, there is no single course of therapy for it. Additionally, a physician could suggest a few lifestyle modifications, such as:

Controlling weight: For some diabetics, doctors may advise losing weight. A doctor might suggest strategies to help you shed about 7% of your body mass if you are overweight.

Dietary balance: 

Eating a diet high in vegetables and fruits and low in fat can help reduce symptoms.

Quit smoking:

Giving up smoking could help you take care of your health.

Controlling your diabetes may also assist to delay the onset of dementia if you have both type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Scientists are looking into a potential connection between Alzheimer’s disease and the diabetic drug metformin.

The medication may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease, however additional studies metformin may make a person more susceptible to Alzheimer’s. To fully comprehend the connection between this medication and neurodegenerative diseases, more research is required.

Avoiding type 3 diabetes:

If you have type 2 diabetes, controlling your blood sugar levels with medication as well as type 3 diabetes diet modifications may help ward off problems like Alzheimer’s.

Among the tried-and-true techniques for controlling T2D and reducing organ damage are:

  • 30 minutes of exercise four times a week combined with a diet high in fiber, high in protein, and minimal saturated fat
  • keeping an eye on your blood sugar levels as advised by a medical professional
  • taking prescription drugs on time and consistently keeping an eye on your cholesterol levels
  • keeping a healthy weight

 

Conclusion

Some researchers refer to the hypothesis that resistance to insulin and malfunction of insulin-like growth factor in the brain could be the etiology of Alzheimer’s disease as “type 3 diabetes.” To fully comprehend the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, more research is required.

According to certain research findings, Alzheimer’s disease need to be categorized as type 3 diabetes, a subtype of the condition. But as of right now, diabetes of type 3 is not a recognized medical nomenclature.

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