What Is Type 3 Diabetes?
Type 3 diabetes (T3D) is a term that some experts are suggesting for Alzheimer’s that’s a result of diabetes affecting your brain.
For a long time, scientists believed insulin didn’t impact your brain. But over the past 20 years, more and more studies have shown that the opposite is true. Scientists now know that insulin does, in fact, travel into your brain cells. And it plays a crucial role in how well you can think and remember things.
When your brain doesn’t get enough insulin or can’t use it the way it should, it appears to affect how well your brain cells function on a daily basis. Some researchers believe that a portion of cases of Alzheimer’s could be due to diabetes that has impacted the brain over time.
It’s important to note that type 3 diabetes is still a fairly new concept. Some experts don’t agree with it, and it’s not recognized by major health groups like the American Diabetes Association. We need more completed studies to know for sure if type 3 diabetes will be widely accepted as a condition by the medical community. Until then, it’s not considered an official diagnosis.
Type 3 Diabetes Causes
A lot of research shows that people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of getting Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia later in life.
There are a few ways that issues with blood sugar control can lead to problems with your memory and thinking:
Inflammation and blood vessel damage. Diabetes raises your risk of a heart attack or stroke. And high blood sugar levels can trigger inflammation. None of that is good news for your blood vessels. Damaged vessels in your brain could lead to Alzheimer's.
Inflammation can also make your cells insulin resistant, meaning they don’t respond to insulin the way they should. That’s especially true if you haven’t yet reached a healthy weight.
Blocked nerve communication. High blood sugar has been linked to higher levels of protein pieces called beta amyloid. When these clump together, they get stuck between the nerve cells in your brain and block them from “talking” to each other. Nerve cells that can't send or receive signals to each other are a main trait of Alzheimer's.
Tangled tau protein. Your brain cells are constantly moving nutrients and chemicals called neurotransmitters through hollow protein tubes called microtubules. Aprotein called tau serves as the “guardrails.” It keeps everything on track so this process runs smoothly.
In a brain with Alzheimer's, tau gets tangled up. Microtubules get blocked, and cells die because they can't move stuff to where they need it.
Some studies suggest that people with diabetes have more tangled tau in their brains. That could be a sign of more dying brain cells, which can lead to dementia.
Insulin resistance. When your cells don't use insulin the way they should, that affects the mechanics of your brain. Your cells don't get the fuel they need, so your brain can't work right. Your blood sugar goes up. And over time, that can cause harmful fatty deposits in your blood vessels. Too much insulin can also throw off the balance of chemicals in your brain.
Insulin resistance in the brain is at the heart of type 3 diabetes research. When your brain stops responding to insulin or using it well, this could set the stage for many of the same issues as above, like inflammation and blocked nerve communication.
Poor brain insulin use may also increase the “oxidative stress” in your brain tissue. This means that you have more free radicals (toxins) than you have antioxidants – special molecules that can get rid of free radicals and protect healthy cells.
Your genes may also play an important role when it comes to type 3 diabetes. More than half of people with Alzheimer’s have a gene known as APOE4. Studies show that APOE4 makes it harder for your brain to process insulin.
Other things that could put you at risk of type 3 diabetes include:
- Chronic (ongoing) stress
- Lack of activity
- Regularly eating foods that are high in calories, sugars, and fats, while low in fiber
Ethnicity and race play a part, too. Studies show that you’re at a higher risk of dementia if you are African American or Hispanic.
Type 3 Diabetes Symptoms
The signs of type 3 diabetes are like those of Alzheimer’s. Early symptoms can include:
- Forgetting important dates or events
- Asking the same questions over and over
- Finding it hard to follow more than one step (like in a recipe)
- Struggling with familiar tasks, like how to use an appliance you’ve had for years
- Losing track of time
- Changes in vision (like finding it hard to tell colors apart or judge a distance)
- Losing your train of thought while speaking or writing
- Not being able to find the “right” word
- Putting things in odd places
- Losing interest in keeping yourself clean
- Making poor money decisions
- Becoming more and more isolated from friends and family
- Finding it hard to be out of your “comfort zone”
- Getting easily irritated
- Feeling anxious
Type 3 Diabetes Diagnosis
Type 3 diabetes is still a theory and not an accepted medical condition, so no doctor can diagnose you with it. And there’s no test to prove that you have it. But if you’re concerned about your memory or how clearly you’re able to think, talk to your doctor. They can test you for dementia.
They’ll likely start by asking you questions about your symptoms. Then they may do a physical exam and order bloodwork to rule out other conditions that could be causing your symptoms.
You will probably also have one or more of the following:
Mental status test. This in-office test checks your thinking skills as well as your memory. Your primary care provider may give it to you. They could also refer you to a specialist in brain health for a longer, more detailed test.
Imaging test. High-tech magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans can give your doctor a detailed picture of your brain. They won’t be able to make a dementia diagnosis on the results alone. But they can get a better idea of which part of your brain is affected.
Other lab tests. For instance, in some cases, your doctor may want to get a sample of your spinal fluid. A lab can analyze it for special proteins that show up in your brain when you have Alzheimer’s.
Type 3 Diabetes Treatment
No T3D treatment exists because right now, the condition is still just a theory. But if you have ongoing issues with your blood sugar, like prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, medication will be key to help manage your symptoms.
Experts are still also looking for a cure for Alzheimer’s. So far, some prescription medications can help slow down the condition and try to keep your symptoms from quickly getting worse.
Researchers are also looking for ways to prevent diabetes from affecting the brain in the first place. For instance, one study found that people with type 2 diabetes who took a certain diabetes medication called pioglitazone were less likely to have dementia later in life.
And in a study of more than 15,000 people older than 55 who had type 2 diabetes, those who took metformin (Fortamet, Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet) were less likely to get Alzheimer's and other types of dementia than those who took other diabetes drugs.
Can type 3 diabetes be reversed?
There’s no known way to reverse Alzheimer’s. But if you or a loved one also live with type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar may help slow down the speed that your dementia symptoms get worse.
Living With Type 3 Diabetes
To keep your memory and thinking skills from getting worse, you can try to:
Manage your blood sugar levels. The results from a few studies have led some scientists to believe that keeping your A1c below 7% may help your brain stay well.
Work out. Exercise will help your cells use insulin better. Moving around also brings oxygen-rich blood to your brain and lowers your risk of heart disease.
Get regular checkups. Your doctor can make sure your diabetes medication is working well and adjust doses or timing if needed. Poorly controlled blood sugar can lead to many serious health issues.
Caretaking for Someone With Type 3 Diabetes
About 1 in 4 people with diabetes over the age of 75 have an issue with their memory and thinking. If you’re caring for a loved one, try to:
Be patient. Speak to your loved one slowly and clearly. You may find that they’re better able to understand things and make decisions early in the day, and their thinking becomes worse in the early evening. This pattern is common in people who have dementia.
Make their daily routine easier. Help them write reminders in a calendar, track “to-dos” on their phone, set up automated payments for bills, and look into apps or devices that alert them when it’s time to take medication or check their blood sugar.
Get a medical ID. Have your loved one always wear a medical bracelet or necklace in case they have a diabetes emergency or get lost.
Work closely with their doctor. Over time, your loved one’s treatment plan, including their target A1c, could change as their dementia symptoms worsen.
Accept help from others. Caring for a sick loved one can be hard, both physically and mentally. Ask for help when you need it, whether that means letting a neighbor mow your lawn or hiring a health care aide to help out with home care.
Get support. Many caregivers find it helpful to join a support group. Talking to others can help you troubleshoot problems and feel less alone. Look for an online group through a trusted organization like the Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging, or Family Caregiver Alliance.
Over time, expect that your loved one will find it harder to manage their diabetes. They may forget to take medication or to eat when they need to. And they may not remember what to do when their blood glucose readings are too high or too low. They’ll need to rely on you and other caregivers. Make sure you know how to spot the signs of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia and how to treat them quickly.
Takeaways
Type 3 diabetes is the unofficial name for diabetes that affects your brain and causes Alzheimer’s. It’s not a clinical diagnosis, and much more research needs to be done to understand the connection between insulin and brain health. If you or a loved one has both dementia and diabetes, work closely with your doctor to manage symptoms of both as best as you can.
Type 3 Diabetes FAQs
How serious is type 3 diabetes?
While type 3 diabetes is a concept and not an actual diagnosis, both diabetes and Alzheimer’s are serious conditions.
Left untreated, diabetes damages both large and small blood vessels. It raises your chances of having heart attacks and strokes. Eventually it can have a domino effect, affecting the nerves, kidneys, eyes, teeth, and gums. The thinking and memory changes of Alzheimer’s over time may lead to changes in personality. A person with Alzheimer’s may find it harder or impossible to perform daily functions such as eating and bathing. They may not be able to communicate. In advanced stages, the condition can raise the risk of infections and cause a loss of muscle, bowel, and bladder control.
How can I avoid type 3 diabetes?
Researchers have yet to find anything that can absolutely prevent you from getting dementia. But studies show that these lifestyle changes are proven to be good for your brain health:
Stay active. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least 5 days each week, or 150 minutes total. Find an activity that you find fun. You’re more likely to do it on a regular basis.
Quit smoking. Ask your doctor if you need help.
Try to get to a healthy weight. Aim for a diet with more:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains like brown rice or 100% whole-wheat bread
- Lean meats like chicken or turkey
- Unsaturated fats like olive oil
- Low-fat dairy products
Limit sugars and saturated fats.
Track your blood pressure. If your doctor prescribes medication to keep it within a healthy range, make sure you take it as directed.
Get enough rest. If you find that you’re not able to sleep well for 7-8 hours each night, ask your doctor to help you figure out why.
Get hearing aids if you need them. Hearing loss has been linked to dementia. One theory is that it puts an extra strain on your brain, which may make it age more quickly.
Stay social. Spending time with friends and loved ones can keep you from being isolated and feeling lonely. Both these things have a link to dementia.
Keep learning. Whether it’s playing the piano or taking up bridge, learning new things builds more connections between your brain cells. It also builds your “brain reserve,” your brain’s ability to adapt when it’s under stress.
