Type 3 diabetes: Causes, symptoms, treatment, comparison - Medical News Today

Some people use the term "type 3 diabetes" to describe Alzheimer's disease. However, official health organizations do not accept this term, and most doctors do not use it for diagnostic purposes. Some scientists believe insulin resistance causes amyloid plaques, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the brain.

Although health associations do not classify type 3 as an official form of diabetes, insulin and glucose dysregulation makes it similar to other types, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

However, type 3 diabetes involves the brain and leads to Alzheimer's disease.

This article explains what type 3 diabetes is and how it links to Alzheimer's disease. It discusses the possible causes and risk factors, along with treatment and prevention strategies.

"Type 3 diabetes" is a term some people use to describe Alzheimer's disease. Some scientists proposed the term because they believe insulin dysregulation in the brain causes dementia.

However, type 3 diabetes is not an officially recognized health condition. The American Diabetes Association, as well as other major health organizations, does not list Alzheimer's disease as a type of diabetes within their classification.

Other types of diabetes include type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. In addition, some research uses the term "type 3c" to classify pancreatogenic diabetes that may result from pancreatitis. This type is different from Alzheimer's disease.

Doctors do not use "type 3 diabetes" as a diagnostic term, because it is not an official classification. They can, however, diagnose Alzheimer's disease using physical and mental tests, neurological exams, and brain imaging.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease include:

  • memory loss that negatively impacts daily life
  • trouble resolving problems or making plans
  • difficulty carrying out familiar tasks
  • confusion about location or time
  • difficulty using and understanding written and spoken language
  • mislaying things
  • decreased judgment
  • withdrawal from social activities or work
  • mood and personality changes

It is important to note that some changes in memory and habits can be part of aging. However, if a person is concerned about any changes they are experiencing, they should seek guidance from a doctor.

Learn about the different stages of Alzheimer's disease here.

Authors of a 2008 review conclude that the term "type 3 diabetes" accurately reflects the fact that Alzheimer's disease is a form of diabetes that affects the brain. They used human and animal studies to explain how this happens.

They describe Alzheimer's disease as a neuroendocrine disease involving impaired insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling. The condition can also involve inflammation and oxidative stress.

The authors note that while obesity and type 2 diabetes might contribute to the development of Alzheimer's disease, they are not sufficient causes by themselves.

However, a more recent study suggests that insulin-degrading enzyme may shift type 2 diabetes to type 3 diabetes by altering metabolic pathways. This process may result in oxidative stress and beta-amyloid in the brain, which are both characteristics of Alzheimer's disease.

A 2020 study lists the potential risk factors for developing type 3 diabetes. These include:

  • a diet high in calories, sugar, and fat and low in fiber
  • low socioeconomic status
  • exposure to stress
  • race and ethnicity
  • lack of physical activity
  • genetics
  • family history
  • birth weight

The same study indicates that high blood pressure and impaired lipid, or fat, transportation play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease.

Additionally, having the APOE4 gene can increase a person's risk of the condition.

There is no cure for type 3 diabetes (Alzheimer's disease), but doctors may prescribe drugs to slow the progression of the condition or treat its symptoms.

Changing disease progression

Aducanumab is an anti-myloid antibody drug that may help reduce cognitive and functional decline in people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Treating symptoms

Medications that can lessen memory loss and thinking issues in Alzheimer's disease include donepezil and galantamine.

Drugs that may improve behavioral and psychological symptoms include suvorexant, which may help prevent insomnia.

Additionally, some people use alternative and natural treatments. However, the Alzheimer's Association notes that these may not be effective or safe.

There is no cure for type 3 diabetes (Alzheimer's disease). However, there are many treatment options available that may lessen the severity of symptoms and prolong a person's life.

Some people with Alzheimer's disease will not develop symptoms for years, although this can vary from person to person.

Most people with Alzheimer's disease will die from another cause. However, since Alzheimer's disease causes neurological problems, it could lead to:

People with Alzheimer's disease may require palliative care to improve their quality of life in the final stages of the condition.

Learn more about palliative care and hospice care here.

"Type 3 diabetes" is a term some people use to describe Alzheimer's disease, but major health organizations do not recognize it as a type of diabetes in their classifications.

Scientists believe that insulin resistance in the brain can lead to the characteristic symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, such as amyloid plaques, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

While researchers have called for more studies, they acknowledge that some factors seem to increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. These include overweight, little physical activity, and high blood pressure.

People can use diet and lifestyle changes to manage their weight and blood sugar, which may play a role in preventing cognitive decline.

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