What is type 3 diabetes?
When we talk of diabetes, we immediately think of its three major types – type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. However, did you know that there is also another type called the type 3 diabetes?
What is type 3 diabetes?
“Type 3 diabetes” is a term used to describe Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that the condition is triggered by insulin resistance and the dysfunction of insulin-like growth occurring in the brain. The main reason why it is called type 3 diabetes is that scientists believe that insulin dysregulation in the brain leads to a condition known as dementia.
Although the condition may already be widespread, it is not officially recognized as diabetic health condition due to several reasons. Even the ADA (American Diabetes Association) and major health organizations do not identify Alzheimer’s disease as a type of diabetes mellitus.
Why is there controversy around classifying Alzheimer’s disease as a type of diabetes?
1. its clinical diagnosis within the medical community remains absent, which means that the condition is not yet accepted as a diabetes classification.
2. It does not involve the pancreas.
3. Many researchers feel that type 3 diabetes is a consequence, or next stage of Type 2. Inflammation or damage in the blood vessels due to undiagnosed type 2 diabetes leads to this condition.
Symptoms
Because of its controversial classification as a type of diabetes, its symptoms do not necessarily connect with diabetes mellitus. Instead, the condition has symptoms related to dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. These are some common symptoms:
- memory loss that affects general daily living
- confusion (e.g., location and time)
- difficulty using and understanding language (verbal or written)
- abrupt change of personality
- inability to make judgements about any information
- difficulty executing simple and familiar tasks
- misplacing things
- sudden change in mood
- trouble making plans
- difficulty resolving problems
- staying away from social activities
Causes
A study in 2016 reported that type 2 diabetes is more likely to cause Alzheimer’s disease or type 3 diabetes. However, the authors of a 2008 review stated that type 2 diabetes and obesity do not necessarily trigger this condition. The authors also added that the term type 3 diabetes has accurate parallelism to Alzheimer’s disease as being a form of diabetes that afflicts the brain.
A recent study also suggested that the dysfunction of insulin that occurs in type 2 diabetes can shift to type 3 diabetes. This occurrence results in oxidative stress, which is highly linked to people with Alzheimer’s disease.
The risk factors of type 3 diabetes are as follows:
- low fiber diet
- exposure to stress
- lack of exercise
- genetics or family history of diabetes
- weight
- race and ethnicity
Diagnosis
No specific test is available to diagnose type 3 diabetes. However, it is easier to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease through the following:
- medical history
- a neurological examination
- neurophysiological testing
Like other conditions, your healthcare professional will ask about your family history. This is essential to know if you have an underlying disease that may have flared up type 3 diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease.
In delving more into knowing if Alzheimer’s disease has developed, MRI and CT scans may be performed. This is to provide a clearer picture of your brain’s condition. Your healthcare professional will also check on the symptoms you are experiencing. Moreover, if symptoms are absent, you will be asked to undergo a fasting blood sugar test or a glycated hemoglobin test.
Treatment
There is no treatment available for Type 3 diabetes. However, your healthcare professional will prescribe medications to control and manage its symptoms.
To prevent such a condition, here are things you can follow:
- engage in physical activities
- make positive changes in your diet
- follow a low-fat diet
- add fruits and vegetables to your meal plan
- quit smoking
- Think positive
