You might be familiar with the more prevalent forms of diabetes, such as type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. However, several other lesser-known types of diabetes exist as well you may not have heard of before – including type 3 diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Insulin is crucial for helping the body convert glucose (sugar) into energy. When there isn’t enough insulin, blood sugar levels can increase, potentially harming various organs in the body.
Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that arises when the body struggles to use insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels effectively. It is the most prevalent form of diabetes.
As of May 2024, it’s estimated that 5.6 million individuals in the UK are living with diabetes, with approximately 90% of these cases being type 2 diabetes. This figure also encompasses around 1.2 million people who have not yet received a diagnosis.
Individuals with type 2 diabetes may have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Effectively managing diabetes could potentially help prevent or postpone complications, such as Alzheimer’s disease.
There is also gestational diabetes (GDM). This typically happens during pregnancy if the body is unable to produce the insulin it needs and blood sugar levels rise too high.
Meanwhile, type 3 diabetes is a suggested term for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that connects it to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While it’s not an official medical term or recognised diagnosis, researchers use it to explore the underlying causes of AD.
Type 3 diabetes happens when brain neurons lose their ability to react to insulin, a crucial hormone for fundamental functions like memory and learning. Some experts use type 3 diabetes to explain the idea that issues with insulin resistance – including insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) dysfunction – could lead to Alzheimer’s disease. IGF-1 can cause several conditions, including growth disorders, cognitive impairment, and neurological diseases.
However, it is important to note that further studies are necessary to explore the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers are still exploring the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease, what causes it and how it relates to diabetes.
Type 3 diabetes symptoms, tests and treatment:
Diabetes may also cause chemical imbalances in your brain, contributing to Alzheimer’s. Also, high blood sugar levels lead to inflammation, which may damage brain cells. Diabetes can lead to chemical imbalances in the brain, which might play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, elevated blood sugar levels can cause inflammation that may harm brain cells.
Signs and symptoms of type 3 diabetes can resemble dementia, particularly those associated with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these signs can include:
- memory loss that impacts everyday activities and social engagements
- challenges in finishing tasks that were once familiar
- frequently misplacing items
- reduced capacity to make decisions based on available information
- abrupt shifts in personality or behaviour
Type 3 diabetes doesn’t have a specific test since it’s not recognised as an official diagnosis. Instead, Alzheimer’s disease is identified through a neurological examination, medical history and neurophysiological testing.
As type 3 diabetes isn’t recognised as an official diagnosis, there isn’t a single treatment for it. Instead, individuals with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease have different treatment options available. A healthcare provider might suggest lifestyle changes, including adjustments to diet and increased physical activity.
How to prevent type 3 diabetes:
Managing diabetes with medication and lifestyle changes may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease and other complications, such as:
- working out four times a week for half an hour each session
- consuming foods that are low in saturated fats, high in protein, and packed with fibre
- keeping track of your blood sugar levels as advised by your healthcare provider
- taking your prescribed medications consistently and on time
- checking your cholesterol levels regularly
- staying at a healthy weight
Type 3c diabetes:
Another category of diabetes is ‘type 3c diabetes mellitus’, often referred to as T3cDM or pancreatogenic diabetes. This form arises from issues impacting the pancreas. Although its name may suggest a connection, it is different from type 3 diabetes.
T3cDM happens when the exocrine glands of the pancreas are harmed. The beta-islet cells found in the endocrine pancreas are responsible for producing and releasing insulin. Several factors that might contribute to the development of T3cDM include: chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, exocrine pancreatic cancer and previous pancreatic surgery.
A statement on Diabetes UK ‘s website reads: “Type 3c can happen when the pancreas is damaged and it stops producing enough insulin for the body. And we all need insulin to live. It allows the glucose (or sugar) in our blood to enter our cells and fuel our bodies.
“If you have type 3c diabetes, your pancreas may also stop producing the enzyme you need to digest food. You can only get type 3c diabetes because of an illness or condition that affects your pancreas.”