About Diabetes Type 3
Until recently diabetes was thought only to come in one of two types – type 1, or juvenile diabetes and type 2, typically called adult-onset diabetes. Recent research however, points to a possible third type of diabetes. This type 3 diabetes involves the brain. The research is relatively new and ground breaking, but it could possibly play a role in a person’s development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Insulin in the Brain
This remarkable discovery was made just a few years ago and has led researchers in the direction of Alzheimer’s disease. When one thinks of insulin you automatically think of the pancreas, since the pancreas typically manufactures this important hormone. Insulin helps to convert food to energy, and a lack of insulin causes high blood glucose because there is nothing there to convert it to energy. High levels of blood glucose can lead to system-wide damage including kidney disease, neuropathy and glaucoma. Now we are learning the brain also produces insulin, however the primary purpose of brain insulin is thought to be in forming brain synapses. These synapses help the brain cells to communicate. Without this brain insulin the synapses that form memory are affected adversely. In a study of Alzheimer’s patients, brain insulin showed reduced levels. The more progressed the disease, the less insulin the brain produced.
Symptoms of Diabetes Type 3
The symptoms for diabetes type 3 are much the same as they are and types 1 and 2:
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Sugar cravings
- Lethargy
- Weight gain or sudden unexplained weight loss
- Weight gain in the midsection
How to Treat Diabetes Type 3
Some studies show that taking insulin – sensitizing drugs may be beneficial for those in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. These insulin-sensitizing drugs help the body to recognize insulin in cases of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance affects many diabetics. Unfortunately the diabetes/Alzheimer’s connection is not yet totally understood. Research is ongoing and diagnosis and treatments are in the very early stages. All medical experts agree more studies are required in order to fully understand Alzheimer’s and its possible relation to type 3 diabetes.