Alzheimer’s Disease and Diabetes are two prevalent and growing health concerns in our society. While they may seem unrelated, emerging research suggests that there might be a significant link between the two.

Some researchers even refer to Alzheimer’s as “type 3 diabetes” because of the similarities between the two conditions. This article explores the Alzheimer’s diabetes connection, its symptoms, causes, and prevention.

What is type 2 diabetes? 

Before understanding the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and type 3 diabetes, one must know about type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition defined by high blood sugar levels. It is much more prevalent than type 1 diabetes and has different causes, yet both share uncontrolled blood glucose. 

Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose as part of digestion. This glucose enters the bloodstream, increasing blood sugar. In response, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone, into the bloodstream. Insulin signals cells to absorb glucose from the blood for energy production. More insulin is released when the blood sugar level is high, such as after a meal. 

In type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin over time. They ignore insulin’s signals to take up glucose from the blood, leading to high levels of blood sugar. This is called insulin resistance. Even as insulin is produced, it cannot lower blood glucose because cells fail to respond.  

Insulin resistance prevents proper glucose utilisation and underlies high blood sugar, resulting in type 2 diabetes. 

What is the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes? 

As mentioned above, type 2 diabetes occurs due to insulin resistance in the body. However, when insulin resistance occurs in the brain, it results in Alzheimer’s disease. Many scientists have referred to the progression of type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer’s as type 3 diabetes. It is important to note that type 3 diabetes has not been recognised as a medical condition by renowned medical organisations like the American Diabetes Association as of now.

Further, studies from 2008 reviewing human and animal research found that Alzheimer’s impacts insulin signalling and insulin-like growth factors, just as diabetes does. Researchers discovered dysfunctional insulin pathways and resistance in Alzheimer’s disease. 

Another study published in Scientific Reports showed an insulin-degrading enzyme can shift metabolic processes, leading from type 2 diabetes to what is called type 3 diabetes (Alzheimer’s disease). In fact, a 2016 Diabetes Care study suggested having type 2 diabetes may raise Alzheimer’s and dementia risk by 60%. 

The connection makes sense because Alzheimer’s also involves abnormal amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. Insulin resistance promotes plaque formation by disrupting the brain’s ability to clear harmful proteins. This allows proteins to accumulate. 

Additionally, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress are present in both Alzheimer’s and type 2 diabetes. Inflammation can damage brain cells and impair insulin signalling, advancing Alzheimer’s disease. Oxidative stress contributes to the development of signature Alzheimer’s amyloid plaques and tau tangles as well. Tau tangles are the abnormal buildup of the protein tau that collects within neurons.  

What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and type 3 diabetes? 

Some common symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease include: 

1. Memory loss that affects daily living and social interactions
2. Difficulty completing familiar tasks
3. Misplacing things often
4. Decreased ability to make judgments based on information
5. Sudden changes in personality or demeanour
6. Having trouble with words in speaking or writing.

What are the causes of Alzheimer’s and type 3 diabetes? 

Apart from type 2 diabetes and obesity, the identified causes of Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes are:

1. Birth weight
2. Family history
3. Ethnicity and race
4. Genetics 
5. Stress
6. Lack of physical activity
7. A diet high in sugars, fats, calories, and low in fibre

How to prevent Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes? 

It’s possible to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and therefore the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, by making specific lifestyle modifications:

1. Exercising daily for at least 30 minutes, five days a week
2. Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains
3. Maintain a healthy body weight
4. Manage high blood pressure
5. Control high cholesterol levels
6. Avoid smoking

While the link between the two conditions is becoming increasingly clear, further research is needed to establish the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. 

However, managing diabetes can reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. If one exhibits symptoms of diabetes or Alzheimer’s, one should consult a doctor. The first step is to undergo a diabetes test and screening. 

FAQs 

1. What is the available treatment for Alzheimer’s and type 3 diabetes? 

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s diabetes. However, certain medications are available to slow the progression of the disease.

2. Is Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes reversible? 

It is possible to reverse diabetes and prediabetes by making lifestyle modifications. But if one has developed Alzheimer’s disease, it is not possible to reverse it. However, measures can be taken to slow the progression of the disease. 

3. What is the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s? 

Dementia is the diminishing of mental ability that makes routine tasks difficult. Alzheimer’s, on the other hand, is a cause of dementia – it is a specific disease.