What is type 3 diabetes?

Most of us have heard of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but did you know that many health experts believe there is a third type of diabetes? Type 3 diabetes is a term that some researchers and health care professionals have begun using that refers to a kind of dementia that issues with glucose or insulin metabolism may cause². It is a term used to describe the link between Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes.

The medical community, including the American Diabetes Association, has not yet officially recognized this term as a condition. However, as more people discuss the potential link between Alzheimer’s disease and insulin resistance, this could change. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you’ve wondered, from “what is type 3 diabetes?” to treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. Additionally, this guide will help provide tips for caring for individuals experiencing symptoms of type 3 diabetes.

The term “type 3 diabetes” was coined when researchers began to inquire about the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. It is thought that Alzheimer’s disease could be caused by insulin resistance and insulin-growth factor dysfunction, which takes place in the brain³. In type 3 diabetes, insulin resistance occurs in the brain, impairing glucose uptake and causing neurodegeneration.

Though many researchers are passionate about the concept of type 3 diabetes, many experts still do not agree that insulin can impact our brains. Over time, more research has emerged, indicating that the theory is more likely to be true. Various studies have suggested that problems with insulin can hurt the brain, making those with type 1 or type 2 diabetes more likely to develop type 3 diabetes as a co-morbidity.

Comparing type 1, type 2, and type 3 diabetes

Before diving into the world of type 3 diabetes, it’s important to understand diabetes as a whole. Diabetes, formally known as diabetes mellitus, occurs when the body’s pancreas has difficulty converting sugar into energy¹. Diabetes is a chronic condition where blood sugar levels are too high due to the body not making enough insulin or not using it effectively.

According to the American Diabetes Association, there are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when a part of a person’s pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin in the form of a medication to control blood sugar levels.

Type 2 diabetes is a different condition where your body begins to become resistant to insulin over time. This condition, known as insulin resistance, causes your blood sugar levels to rise over time and ultimately affects several organ systems.

Symptoms and diagnosis

Type 3 diabetes is not a clinically recognized diagnosis and is still considered a theory by medical professionals. As such, there is currently no formal diagnosis process conducted by medical professionals. This doesn’t mean the condition does not exist. Instead, it just hasn’t been researched enough yet to have an official title in the medical community.

Since type 3 diabetes is not yet clinically recognized, medical practitioners haven’t defined a clear list of symptoms. However, symptoms may include memory loss, trouble carrying out familiar tasks, forgetting things, changes in mood, frustration, poor judgment, and withdrawal. Even though type 3 diabetes isn’t clinically recognized, it is still important to speak to your health care provider if you are suffering from these symptoms. Other symptoms that could be associated with type 3 diabetes include:

Misplacing items frequently
Becoming overwhelmed quickly
Mood and personality changes
Poor judgment or decreased judgment
Wandering or getting lost frequently
Forgetting familiar tasks
Difficulty finding the right word in conversation
Loss of interest in things
Isolation from friends and family

If you are suffering from these symptoms, your doctor may recommend testing for Alzheimer’s disease. Testing may include brain imaging tests, a neurological exam, and other neurological testing to determine the cause of your symptoms. Discuss your concerns with your WellMed provider.

Causes and risk factors

According to the Alzheimer’s Research Association, potential risk factors for developing Type 3 diabetes include a family history of diabetes, genetics, birth weight, ethnicity, race, stress, lack of physical activity, and a diet high in sugar. Some people may also have a gene that puts them at a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease in their lifetime.

Since the concept is still relatively new, researchers are continuing to develop theories about the exact causes of this condition. Blood sugar control and memory may be closely linked in a few ways. First, it is thought that diabetes could increase your risk of conditions like a heart attack or stroke, which can trigger inflammation in the body.

It is also believed that high blood sugar could cause beta amyloid clumps, which get stuck between nerve cells and in the brain. Insulin resistance is another commonly recognized cause, leading to oxidative stress within the brain’s tissues. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are key contributors to the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. As scientists delve into the research, it becomes clear that several factors may be contributing to the link between blood sugar, insulin, and brain health.

Treatment for type 3 diabetes

Since no one has yet been diagnosed with this condition, there is no official treatment. Alzheimer’s disease does not have a cure, as it is a progressive condition. However, there are some things you can do to best manage the condition, such as various medications designed to slow down the progression. A medical professional would need to diagnose you with Alzheimer’s Disease for you to have access to these treatments.

Some medications used to treat Alzheimer’s disease, such as donepezil and galantamine, may help improve memory loss symptoms and thinking issues. Every person reacts differently to these medications, so it’s essential to discuss their appropriate use with your health care team. In individuals experiencing behavioral issues, other medications such as suvorexant may also be prescribed. Other organic causes need to be ruled out as well, such as vitamin deficiencies, UTIS, depression or thyroid disorders

For patients who have both type 2 and type 3 diabetes, managing the type 2 condition is essential. Often, patients may be prescribed a medication such as metformin that can help reduce blood sugar levels.

Lifestyle changes, such as adopting a low-sugar and high-protein diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy body weight, can help support individuals with type 3 diabetes. There is no cure, only supportive management practices.⁴ However, taking action to prevent type 3 diabetes before it occurs is the best option.

Preventing type 3 diabetes

It is not quite understood if type 3 diabetes can be avoided entirely; however, healthy lifestyle practices are key. Nutrition, lifestyle, and diet are crucial factors in managing insulin and blood sugar levels. As such, some prevention points to consider include:

Walk regularly for at least 30 minutes daily, especially after meals, to promote healthy blood sugar levels.
Eat a whole-food diet rich in protein.
Avoid processed sugars and refined carbohydrates.
If you have type 2 diabetes, management is key to avoiding type 3 diabetes.
Make regular visits to your primary care provider for monitoring and yearly lab work to monitor blood glucose and A1C levels.
Keep memory sharp with proven techniques such as Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

Caring for someone with type 3 diabetes

As we age, memory problems such as those associated with type 3 diabetes can make it challenging to care for ourselves. If you are caring for a loved one with type 3 diabetes, some tips to consider include:

1. Working with the medical team: Although medical staff may not officially diagnose type 3 diabetes, they can still offer helpful tools and monitoring to target dementia symptoms. Working closely with your loved one’s medical team can provide support and assistance as you navigate symptoms.
2. Medical ID: Ensure your loved one has a medical ID with information about their condition, medications, and contact info in case they get lost. Some people with type 3 diabetes may become forgetful of these important facts or begin to wander off.
3. Establishing Routines: Routines can be particularly beneficial for individuals struggling with memory and cognitive decline. Consider helping your loved one develop new routines and form healthy habits. Finding ways to make things easier, such as lists and reminders, can also be helpful.
4. Seek Support: Caring for an individual experiencing memory issues of any kind can be a challenging task. Support, guidance, and help from other groups, books, or social communities are healthy outlets that can help provide you with support along the way.
5. Read the Research: Type 3 diabetes is a new and emerging concept. Staying up-to-date on the latest research and progress can help you stay connected with medical advancements and insights about type 3 diabetes.

Outlook/Summary

While the medical community has not officially recognized type 3 diabetes, there is still progress being made. Currently, there is no cure for type 3 diabetes, but there are some interventions that may help support and improve symptoms. Prevention is crucial and may involve maintaining a healthy body weight, normal blood glucose levels, and regular exercise.

Research surrounding type 3 diabetes is currently limited, but many are beginning to adopt the idea that memory issues are closely linked with insulin resistance⁴. Those who believe in this theory suggest that the insulin resistance in the brain is connected to the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, such as amyloid plaques, oxidative stress, and inflammation. In the coming years, there will likely be more research and breakthroughs surrounding this important topic.

References

What is type 3 diabetes?

The term “type 3 diabetes” was coined when researchers began to inquire about the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.