About Type 3 Diabetes

Overview

Type 3 diabetes is a term that some researchers use to describe a possible link between Alzheimer's disease and insulin dysregulation in the brain.

It suggests that Alzheimer's disease may be caused by a type of insulin resistance and dysfunction in the brain that is similar to the the physiology of diabetes.

However, it's important to note that type 3 diabetes is not currently an officially recognized medical condition by major health organizations, including the American Diabetes Association.

Causes and Risk Factors

The proposed link between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s is based on common physiologic characteristics of both conditions, including inflammation and oxidative stress (having excess free radicals that can lead to cell damage).

The following observations support a possible association of diabetes and Alzheimer’s:

• People with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) may be more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or dementia. A review of research found that individuals with T2D have a 45% to 90% higher likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.
• A study involving over 100,000 people living with dementia showed that females with T2D had a higher probability of developing vascular dementia than males.

Diabetes is also a risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s. Both conditions share several risk factors, including:

• Family history of the condition
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity

Other risk factors for Alzheimer’s or Type 3 Diabetes include:

• Smoking
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• High blood pressure
• History of depression
• History of brain injury such as concussion or traumatic brain injury

It's important to note that while some risk factors for Type 3 Diabetes cannot be changed, focusing on modifiable risk factors can still have a positive impact on overall health and potentially reduce the risk of developing this type of dementia.

Symptoms

Type 3 diabetes is a proposed condition that is associated with symptoms of dementia, similar to those seen in early Alzheimer's disease. The symptoms of type 3 diabetes may include:

• Memory loss that affects daily living and social interactions
• Difficulty completing familiar tasks
• Misplacing things often
• Decreased ability to make judgments based on information
• Sudden changes in personality or demeanor

It's important to note that type 3 diabetes is not an officially recognized medical condition at this time, but researchers are studying the potential link between diabetes and dementia.

Diagnosis

To diagnose type 3 diabetes, there is no specific test as it is currently not an official diagnosis. Diagnosis of type 3 diabetes includes examinations, tests, and procedures to assess cognitive function, including:

• Medical history: Your doctor will ask you or a family member or friend questions about your medical history, current medical conditions and medications, symptoms you may be experiencing and any family history of dementia, Alzheimer’s or related conditions.
• Cognition examination: The doctor may conduct tests of memory, counting, language, and problem solving.
• Blood and urine tests to identify possible other medical problems or causes of symptoms. Blood tests will include tests related to diabetes:
  • Fasting blood sugar test: If you have symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes and Alzheimer's but do not have a diagnosis for either condition, a doctor may order a fasting blood sugar test. This test measures your blood sugar levels after fasting for a specific period.
  • Hemoglobin A1c test: This blood test provides information about your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. It helps doctors assess long-term glucose control and can be used as an additional tool in diagnosing Type 2 Diabetes.
• Imaging studies: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or positron emission tomography (PET) scans of the head may be performed to provide detailed images of your brain, allowing doctors to assess its structure and detect any abnormalities.
• Cerebrospinal fluid testing: This involves analyzing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a lumbar puncture. It can help identify proteins or biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s.
• Neurological examination: A healthcare professional will conduct a thorough assessment of your neurological function, including evaluating your reflexes, coordination, and sensory responses.
• Neurophysiological testing: This involves various tests to evaluate the function of your nervous system, such as nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG). These tests help assess nerve damage or dysfunction.

Treatment Options

The term "Type 3 Diabetes" is not an official diagnosis, so there is no specific treatment for it. There currently is no cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Treatment aims to slow disease progression and help manage symptoms, which may include:

Medications:

• Medications to slow progression (slow declines in cognition and functional activities)
  • Anti-amyloid antibodies: These medications may help reduce beta amyloid protein in the brain. Amyloid proteins are believed to cause progression of Alzheimer’s.
• Medications to ease symptoms related to memory, thinking, language, and judgement
  • Cholinesterase inhibitors: These medications may help manage agitation and depression
  • NMDA receptor-antagonists: These medications may improve ability to think and remember and slow progression
• Medications to ease behavioral and psychological symptoms such as sleeplessness, wandering, agitation, anxiety, aggression, restlessness, and depression.
  • Antipsychotic medications to treat dementia-associated agitation
  • Hypnotics and sleep aids to treat insomnia
  • Antianxiety medications
  • Anticonvulsants
• Metformin: This medication is commonly used to treat T2D. Researchers are investigating a possible link between metformin and Alzheimer's disease.

Lifestyle Measures:

• Diet: A diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables can help improve symptoms.
• Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help control blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
• Weight Management: Losing around 7% of body mass can help prevent the progression of prediabetes to T2D and reduce organ damage caused by high blood sugar.
• Smoking Cessation: Quitting smoking may help manage the condition.

It's important to note that these treatments are for Alzheimer’s disease and not specific to the concept of Type 3 Diabetes.