• Diabetes
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Type 2 Diabetes

What is Type 3 Diabetes?

Some healthcare experts have considered classifying Alzheimer’s disease as type 3 diabetes — but this is not yet an official clinical term for the condition. There are many similarities to what happens to insulin in the body of those with Alzheimer’s disease or diabetes. 

Insulin resistance from diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease can lead to memory loss, trouble completing tasks, and disorientation.

Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease are growing at increasingly fast rates in the United States. The amount of people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. is expected to increase by 40% in the next year. 

While these two conditions have a lot of similarities, there are slight differences that prevent healthcare providers from using type 3 diabetes as a universal term for Alzheimer’s disease.

Signs and Symptoms of Type 3 Diabetes

More research is needed to know how much of a role insulin plays in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. One of the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease is neuroinflammation — a build-up of inflammation in the brain.

Neuroinflammation from Alzheimer’s disease can lead to several symptoms including:

• Gradual decline in memory loss

• Changes in behavior

• An increase in oxidative stress

• Mood swings

• Confusion 

• Withdrawal from activities

• Disorientation

What Causes Type 3 Diabetes?

Alzheimer’s disease — sometimes referred to as type 3 diabetes — occurs when oxidative stress leads to an accumulation of tau proteins in the body. This promotes insulin resistance that interrupts cognitive function. Someone with Alzheimer’s disease may have a harder time processing information and completing tasks.

Healthcare providers are not sure what exactly causes this high amount of inflammation in the brian, but the following factors can contribute to the development of type 3 diabetes:

• Stress

• Environmental factors

• Undiagnosed diabetes

How Do You Know If You Have Type 3 Diabetes?

If you are at risk for type 1 or 2 diabetes, a healthcare provider may recommend an A1C test. An A1C is a blood sugar test that measures glucose levels in the body for one to two months. A1C levels between 5.7 to 6.4% means you may have prediabetes, whereas an A1C of 6.5% or higher means you may have diabetes.

Who is Most Likely to Get Type 3 Diabetes?

Health experts are still researching the exact cause of type 3 diabetes. Some people may carry a genetic mutation that increases their risk of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Some groups of people are more likely than others to develop type 3 diabetes:

• Women are more likely than men to have type 3 diabetes. 

• People with a history of depression and vascular (blood vessels) conditions have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease as they get older. 

• Those with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance that can develop into Alzheimer’s disease as it progresses.

Treatment Options for Type 3 Diabetes

While new research is being explored every day, there is not yet a cure for type 3 diabetes.However, healthcare providers can prescribe medications to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s after a diagnosis. 

For example, a healthcare provider may prescribe medications like memantine. This medication slows abnormal activity in the brain. Be sure to carefully follow instructions from a healthcare provider about how often to take the medication.

Some health experts suspect that anti-inflammation therapies may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease or type 3 diabetes by reducing inflammation in the brain. Currently, there is not enough research to support this theory.

One study found that diabetic medication could help improve cognitive function and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This is one of the reasons some health experts want to classify Alzheimer’s disease as type 3 diabetes.

How to Prevent Type 3 Diabetes 

Having Alzheimer’s disease can increase your risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), cholesterol, and obesity. However — if you have a family history of Alzheimer’s disease — you may still be more likely than others to develop Alzheimer’s Disease.

There are lifestyle changes you can make to prevent diabetes. Health experts suggest following a well-balanced diet, consistently engaging in physical activity, and avoiding smoking tobacco to reduce your risk of type 3 diabetes.

Be sure to keep up with scheduled doctor visits as well. A healthcare provider can monitor you closely for any changes in brain activity with imaging tests throughout treatment.

What are Other Types of Diabetes?

Some health experts believe that type 2 diabetes can transition into type 3 diabetes. The differences between type 3 diabetes and other types of diabetes is how insulin processes in the body.

The different types of diabetes besides type 3 diabetes include: 

• Type 1 diabetes: The immune system mistakenly destroys beta cells that create insulin in the body.

• Type 2 diabetes: The body doesn't process insulin — also known as  insulin resistance. In response, the pancreas may make more insulin than cells can process and raise blood sugar levels.

• Type 3c diabetes: Typically caused by chronic pancreatitis, the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin when you have type 3c diabetes. This often happens when there is damage to the pancreas.

Type 3 diabetes is not a widely used clinical term for Alzheimer’s disease, but health experts believe that having other types of diabetes like the ones listed above can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If you or a loved one are experiencing changes in memory loss or having trouble completing everyday tasks, be sure to see a healthcare provider right away. While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, they can help you manage it as it progresses.

Where Can I Learn More About Type 3 Diabetes?

At LifeMD, you can speak with a licensed healthcare provider about ways to manage your blood sugar. They can also provide tips on how to maintain a well-balanced diet and prioritize diabetic-friendly foods.

Book an appointment today to learn more about options for better blood sugar management.

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