diabetes - ReaDementia

Unraveling the Mystery: Is Alzheimer’s Type 3 Diabetes?

Trevor Howitt Blog, Causes December 19, 2023December 19, 2023diabetes, type 3 diabetes

Is there a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s

In this article we discuss the most recent research investigating the question, is Alzheimer’s type 3 diabetes?

Most people have heard of Type 1 Diabetes which is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body fails to produce its own insulin. This causes the body’s sugar levels to be too high. Many people with Type 1 Diabetes have to have regular insulin injections.

Type 2 Diabetes is different in the fact that the body develops an insulin resistance and does not use insulin properly. Again, this leads to raised sugar levels. Both types of diabetes are chronic conditions.

Recently, there have been some references to Alzheimer’s being Type 3 Diabetes, so what is this all about?

Is Alzheimer’s Type 3 Diabetes?

The term ‘type 3 diabetes’ is one that has been coined by the world’s health press in reference to Alzheimer’s disease because this common neurogenerative disease has been found to be linked to insulin resistance – which of course is a problem found in type 2 diabetics.

Explain more, why is Alzheimer’s Type 3 diabetes

At this stage, the term ‘type 3 diabetes’ is being used by researchers rather than doctors. There are many studies taking place around the world on the different types of dementia.

A growing number of researchers are exploring the links between insulin resistance in the brain and cognitive decline which is found in Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

Researchers are also studying to see if there are any links between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.

It has already been proven that people with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of developing several different types of dementia.

Is there a link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease?

Scientists are currently studying a number of possible links between diabetes and Alzheimer’s.

Some scientists believe that Alzheimer’s could be caused by insulin resistance in the brain, but as yet, this has not been proven.

Other research is investigating whether diabetes cause any chemical imbalances in the brain.

It is known that high blood sugars can cause inflammation and scientists are exploring what impact the inflammation can have – especially as this could be a possible trigger for vascular dementia. This link though, has yet to be proven.

A second line of research is studying the damage caused to blood vessels when type 2 diabetes is not diagnosed early enough.

Many people with the condition are unaware that they have it. This leads to a delay in their diagnosis and treatment and an increase in the chance of damage to their blood vessels.

Again, this makes those with diabetes undiagnosed, and uncontrolled diabetes more likely to be as risk of vascular dementia with a query mark that there could be an increased risk of Alzheimer’s too.

Healthline.com states that-

‘According to a 2022 review of research, people who have type 2 diabetes may be up to 45% to 90% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, such as vascular dementia’.

Are blood vessel damage, insulin resistance in the brain, and elevated blood sugar levels all connected to diabetes and potential contributors to dementia? Furthermore, is Alzheimer’s type 3 diabetes? Let’s delve further…

Insulin and Alzheimer’s Disease

A paper published by the National Library of Medicine in February 2022, makes interesting reading as the authors point out that the incidence of both type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease are rapidly increasing –

‘Globally, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) epidemics is increasing rapidly and has huge financial and emotional costs.

The purpose of the current review article is to discuss the shared pathophysiological connections between AD and T2DM.

Research findings are presented to underline the vital role that insulin plays in the brain’s neurotransmitters, homeostasis of energy, as well as memory capacity.

The findings of this review indicate the existence of a mechanistic interplay between AD pathogenesis with T2DM and, especially, disrupted insulin signaling.

AD and T2DM are interlinked with insulin resistance, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs), mitochondrial dysfunction and metabolic syndrome.

Beta-amyloid, tau protein and amylin can accumulate in T2DM and AD brains. Given that the T2DM patients are not routinely evaluated in terms of their cognitive status, they are rarely treated for cognitive impairment.

Similarly, AD patients are not routinely evaluated for high levels of insulin or for T2DM. Studies suggesting AD as a metabolic disease caused by insulin resistance in the brain also offer strong support for the hypothesis that AD is a type 3 diabetes.’ Reference

Is Alzheimer’s Type 3 Diabetes? (Tests)

Certainly, it seems possible that researchers will find that families with history of type 2 diabetes could have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia.

It is important that in future frequent tests are made of sugar levels and insulin resistance not only of patients with type 2 diabetes but also Alzheimer’s disease as there is increasing evidence that there could be a significant link between the two diseases and could lead to some new treatments.

At present it is important that all types of research continue….

Preventative measures that can be taken

In the meantime, as research continues, it is important that anyone who suspects that they could have either type 2 diabetes or Alzheimer’s seeks advice from their doctor. Also, ensure that they have a healthy lifestyle to help prevent either. Or, if they are diagnosed, to slow down the progression of the disease for as long as possible and importantly, minimize organ damage.

Adopt a healthy diet with foods that are rich in protein and fiber and low in sugar and saturated fats.
Monitor your blood sugar levels as recommended by your doctor.
Keep an eye on your cholesterol levels too.
Take any medication you have been prescribed according to the schedule from your doctor.
Exercise for 30 minutes most days – walking, swimming, cycling, tennis and jogging are all good or following an exercise program in your home or local gym.
Keep your body weight down – to the recommended weight for your age and frame.

Final Thoughts – Is Alzheimer’s type 3 diabetes?

In conclusion, there have been several research studies proposing that Alzheimer’s disease be categorized as a form of diabetes, termed type 3 diabetes.

However, whilst this concept is explored in research, the term ’type 3 diabetes’ is not officially recognized by National health organizations, nor the American Diabetes Association.

Is Alzheimer’s type 3 diabetes… this is yet to be proven.

Sugar And Dementia (Makes It Worse?)

Trevor Howitt Blog, Causes, Signs July 16, 2021October 15, 2021dementia, diabetes, sugar and dementia

We reviewed numerous studies that suggest a possible link between sugar and dementia.

This is after researchers confirmed that consuming TOO much sugar in any form puts a person at a higher risk of getting dementia.

One longitudinal study exposed the fact that persons with high levels of blood sugar experience faster cognitive decline rates than the ones with normal blood sugar levels.

Another study by Melissa Schilling reveals that elevated insulin plays a huge role in the development of dementia.

Seeing that too much sugar is one of the RISK factors of dementia, which still has no cure, to date, it is important to keenly study the relationship between the two to find out how both factors reconcile.

Below you will uncover some of the ways that consuming too much sugar can increase the risk of developing dementia EVEN at a young age.

Poor Insulin Control

When your body always has to deal with insulin resistance, it means that you will be at a higher risk of developing dementia.

Note that when you eat different types of food, including sugar, starches, and carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into glucose.

When the digestion process takes place, the small intestines and the stomach absorb all the glucose and then sends it into your bloodstream.

Insulin, which is a hormone that the pancreas produces, transports the sugar/glucose in the bloodstream to the cells in your muscles and other organs.

Your body will produce MORE insulin when the levels of blood sugar are too high. This implies that insulin will, essentially, try to give the cells more sugar.

When this happens, the cells are bound to try and protect themselves from insulin’s powerful effect, thus creating insulin resistance.

The pancreas then responds to this resistance by giving the body even more insulin. This creates a vicious cycle where insulin resistance results in higher blood sugar levels.

Where there is an insulin spike, too much glucose will find its way to the brain through the bloodstream. This will eventually DESTROY the cells in the brain, a move that can lead to the development of dementia.

An Overdose of Glucose in Brain Cells

The brain needs glucose as a source of energy.

However, when there is too much sugar in the brain, the cells in this organ can easily absorb the glucose.

It is worth noting that brain cells, unlike other cells in the body, do not require insulin to absorb glucose. This means that the cells in the brain will DIRECTLY absorb the glucose from the bloodstream because sugar usually crosses the barrier in the brain fast.

When too much sugar is flowing in the brain, it will NOT PRODUCE useful mental energy. This is because the brain can only convert sugar into energy with the help of insulin.

After a long period of consuming simple carbohydrates and sugar, the brain will have an overflow of sugar that is not beneficial in any way.

In fact, when talking about sugar and dementia, it is safe to say that a high insulin load will prevent the brain from using glucose as a source of energy because it will have excess levels.

When the brain cells do not get the energy they need from glucose, they eventually die off one of the events that lead to the onset of dementia.

The sad fact is that brain cells get too much sugar but CANNOT make good use of it.

Too Much Sugar Clogs the Brain and Causes Inflammation

Another front that shows evidence of the link between sugar and dementia is the fact that obese individuals have a doubled risk of developing dementia.

Most people will become overweight because of a poor diet that mostly consists of too much sugar.

As a result, this causes clumps in the brain that affect how it functions. To better understand this concept, it is essential to know that obese persons typically have TOO MANY amyloid proteins in the brain.

These proteins are toxic to the brain because they stick together and start forming clumps. These clumps are usually present in the brains of people who have different forms of dementia.

In the medical world, there is still a huge debate as to whether the clumps that amyloid proteins form are responsible for dementia even though they are generally present in persons who already have dementia.

Experts also believe that HIGH sugar amounts in the body can cause inflammation.

Inflammation has been LINKED to dementia, diabetes, heart diseases, and cancer. Inflammation inside the body is akin to a swollen red, infection on the skin that is full of puss.

When there is inflammation in the brain or other parts of the body, the body has to get into a position where it is always fighting infections.

When this happens, it will lead to cognition breaking down because the brain, as well as the blood vessels, are irritated and swollen.

Eating Sugar Leads to Addiction

Experts have established that excess sugar in the brain can impair both cognitive skills as well as self-control. Many people experience cravings after consuming a little sugar.

Sugar is known to have a drug-like effect on the brain’s reward center. Scientists propose that sweet, salty, and fatty foods can produce addiction effects in the brain.

This results in overeating, loss of self-control, and CONSEQUENTLY weight gain.

This drive, on the other hand, can lead to excess amounts of sugar in the brain, which is a dementia risk factor.

Too much sugar in the brain is harmful as it can result in deficits in attention, memory, and slow cognitive function.

Too much Sugar Leads to Strokes

Another possible variable when discussing sugar and dementia is the fact that too much glucose in the blood vessels can lead to stroke.

This is because a spike in blood sugar can cause the vessels to become weak. Meaning, they will not function as they should leading to strokes, which can make a person get various dementia forms.

In such a case, the brain cells will die because they lack oxygen.

How to Reduce Adverse Effects of Sugar and Dementia

It is almost IMPOSSIBLE to cut off sugar in your diet, seeing that most fruits are loaded with sugar. This, however, does not mean that you should not try and limit the amount of sugar that goes into your system.

There are several steps you can take to prevent getting dementia because of too much sugar like:

Balancing blood sugar

This has everything to do with the things that you put into your mouth.

Avoid those high-fat and sugar diets because they will only lead you into trouble. Take off the unhealthy stuff that includes alcohol, refined carbs, caffeine, dairy, processed foods, etc.

Instead, your diet should constitute healthy alternatives like leafy green vegetables, nuts, good fats, and grass-fed meats, among many others.

These foods are not only great for your waistline, but they will also make the brain very happy.

If you are NOT TOO sure about the foods to be eating, it is best to work with a dietician who will give you proper guidance.

Remember that sugars present in soft drinks and sweets can lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. The ones from complex carbs are absorbed in a slower rate.

Exercising

Another way to tame blood sugar is to get physically active. This helps to reduce blood sugar levels and weight if need be.

If you have not been working out for long, try and schedule at least 150 minutes of exercise every week.

You DO NOT have to go into a gym or start working with an expensive professional trainer.

Brisk walking for a few minutes every day can do the trick. Take short but frequent breaks as you walk. This can be as short as forty seconds or one minute.

This can help to lower blood sugar effectively.

Some experts also advise taking a walk after meals. Exercising can also mean taking the stairs more than using the lift, parking a little further from your destination, and moving around if you sit around for hours.

When you are more active, your muscles will increase their glucose intake, which will prevent instances of insulin resistance.

Get enough rest and avoid stress

Giving the body enough rest is crucial if you want to protect the health of your brain. This includes getting quality sleep and listening to your body when it needs to rest.

Additionally, it is also important to avoid stress triggers because they are not good for your health.

Do things that you love and enjoy and talk to a trustworthy person if you feel like things are getting out of hand to keep stress at bay.

Sugar and Dementia Conclusion

It is now evident that there is a connection between sugar and dementia.

Experts agree that faster cognitive decline happens when there are high sugar levels in the blood, whether the sugar levels make a person diabetic or not.

It is one of the reasons why you should control sugar consumption while ADOPTING a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of dementia and other diseases.

Type 2 Diabetes and Dementia: What’s the Link?

Trevor Howitt Blog, Causes, Prevention, Signs January 18, 2021August 23, 2026dementia, diabetes, signs of dementia

Older adult having blood glucose checked, illustrating type 2 diabetes and dementia

Type 2 diabetes and dementia have been linked in a growing body of research. People with type 2 diabetes appear to have a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia than people without diabetes, particularly when diabetes develops earlier in life or is poorly controlled.

However, having diabetes does not mean that a person will develop dementia. The relationship is complex, and researchers are still working to understand exactly how blood sugar, insulin resistance, cardiovascular health and changes in the brain may interact.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes can affect the blood vessels and nerves of the brain and may contribute to problems with memory and learning over time.

In this article, we look at what scientists currently know about type 2 diabetes and dementia, why the two conditions may be connected and what people with diabetes can do to support their overall and brain health.

What Is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body regulates and uses glucose, or blood sugar.

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy. With type 2 diabetes, cells become less responsive to insulin. Over time, the pancreas may also struggle to produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose within a healthy range.

Persistently high blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves and organs throughout the body.

The brain is no exception.

Because the brain relies on a healthy blood supply and a steady source of energy, conditions that damage blood vessels or disrupt glucose regulation can potentially affect memory and thinking.

Are Type 2 Diabetes and Dementia Linked?

Yes. Research has consistently found an association between type 2 diabetes and an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia.

Importantly, an association does not mean that diabetes directly causes every case of dementia.

Dementia can have many causes and risk factors, including age, genetics, cardiovascular disease, smoking, high blood pressure and other health conditions.

The National Institute on Aging has reported research showing that people who develop type 2 diabetes earlier in life may have a greater risk of developing dementia later on.

This is one reason researchers are particularly interested in the long-term effects of diabetes on brain health.

How Might Type 2 Diabetes Affect Dementia Risk?

There probably is not one single explanation for the connection between type 2 diabetes and dementia. Several biological and cardiovascular pathways are being investigated.

1. Damage to Blood Vessels in the Brain

One of the clearest connections involves blood vessel health.

Over time, high blood glucose can damage blood vessels throughout the body. Diabetes is also associated with an increased risk of conditions including:

Stroke
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Kidney disease
Peripheral vascular disease

The brain requires a continuous supply of oxygen-rich blood. Damage to its blood vessels can reduce blood flow and contribute to vascular injury.

This is particularly relevant to vascular dementia, which results from problems with blood flow to the brain.

The CDC notes that long-term high blood sugar can damage blood vessels in the brain and contribute to problems with memory and thinking.

2. Insulin Resistance and Brain Function

Insulin is best known for controlling blood sugar, but insulin signalling also occurs in the brain.

Researchers are investigating whether insulin resistance may influence brain metabolism, communication between brain cells and cognitive function.

There are similarities between some metabolic changes seen in type 2 diabetes and changes studied in Alzheimer’s disease. However, this does not mean that Alzheimer’s disease is simply another form of diabetes.

The Alzheimer’s Association specifically cautions that Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes are separate medical conditions, despite some areas of biological overlap.

3. High Blood Sugar

Frequent or prolonged periods of high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia, may affect brain health over time.

High glucose levels can contribute to blood vessel damage and other metabolic changes throughout the body.

The CDC reports that the effects of persistently high blood sugar on the brain can develop gradually and may contribute to problems with memory and thinking.

This does not mean that an occasional elevated glucose reading will cause dementia. The concern is primarily the cumulative effect of diabetes and associated health problems over many years.

4. Low Blood Sugar

Blood sugar that falls too low can also affect brain function.

Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, weakness and, in severe cases, seizures or loss of consciousness.

Some research has also found associations between severe or repeated episodes of hypoglycemia and cognitive problems, particularly in older adults.

For people using insulin or medicines that can lower blood glucose, preventing severe hypoglycemia is an important part of diabetes management.

Individual blood glucose targets should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

5. Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Type 2 diabetes is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress.

Both processes are being investigated for their potential roles in blood vessel damage, brain aging and neurodegenerative disease.

It would be too strong, however, to say that inflammation from diabetes directly produces Alzheimer’s plaques or causes dementia.

The pathways involved in Alzheimer’s disease are complex and include age, genetics, vascular health and numerous biological processes.

6. Cerebrovascular Disease and Stroke

Diabetes is an established risk factor for stroke and other vascular problems.

A stroke can damage areas of the brain involved in memory, reasoning, language and other cognitive functions.

Multiple small vascular injuries may also accumulate over time.

Because vascular disease can contribute to cognitive decline and vascular dementia, this provides another plausible connection between diabetes and dementia risk.

7. Mild Cognitive Impairment

Researchers have also studied the relationship between diabetes and mild cognitive impairment, commonly known as MCI.

MCI involves greater difficulty with memory or thinking than would normally be expected for a person’s age, but the changes are not severe enough to substantially interfere with everyday independence.

Some people with MCI later develop dementia, while others remain stable or sometimes improve.

Having type 2 diabetes is one of several health factors clinicians may consider when evaluating an older adult for cognitive impairment. The National Institute on Aging includes a history of type 2 diabetes among factors that may indicate a need to assess cognitive health.

8. Alzheimer’s Disease and Brain Proteins

Scientists have investigated whether problems with glucose metabolism and insulin resistance are related to the abnormal accumulation of amyloid-beta and tau proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

The results are not straightforward.

Some studies suggest possible connections between metabolic dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease, while other research has not found a clear relationship between type 2 diabetes and the amount of amyloid or tau detected in the brain.

A 2024 study published in Diabetes Care, for example, noted that the relationship between glucose metabolism and later amyloid and tau pathology remains an active area of research.

It is therefore more accurate to say that scientists are investigating these shared pathways rather than claiming that diabetes directly creates Alzheimer’s plaques and tangles.

Does Type 2 Diabetes Cause Dementia?

Current evidence does not support saying that type 2 diabetes directly causes dementia in every case.

Instead, diabetes is regarded as an important risk factor.

A person can have type 2 diabetes and never develop dementia. Likewise, many people with dementia have never had diabetes.

Research examining causation has produced more nuanced results. Some studies find strong associations between diabetes and cognitive decline, while research using other methods has not always demonstrated that diabetes itself is the direct causal factor.

It is likely that diabetes interacts with other factors such as:

Age
Genetics
Blood pressure
Cholesterol
Cardiovascular disease
Stroke
Smoking
Physical activity
Weight
Duration and severity of diabetes

This is why researchers generally discuss diabetes in terms of increasing risk rather than being a single direct cause of dementia.

Does the Age You Develop Type 2 Diabetes Matter?

Research suggests it may.

An NIA-funded study following more than 10,000 people found that developing type 2 diabetes at a younger age was associated with a greater subsequent risk of dementia.

This may partly reflect the fact that someone diagnosed earlier can live with diabetes and its metabolic and vascular effects for a longer period.

More research is needed to understand precisely how the duration of diabetes, glucose control and other health conditions combine to influence long-term cognitive health.

What About Type 1 Diabetes and Dementia?

Although this article focuses on type 2 diabetes and dementia, researchers have also investigated cognitive health in people with type 1 diabetes.

Some observational studies have found a higher incidence of dementia among older adults with type 1 diabetes compared with people without diabetes.

Possible contributors include the long duration of the condition, vascular complications and episodes of severe high or low blood sugar.

However, the previous version of this article stated that “83% of seniors with type 1 diabetes are at risk of getting dementia.” We have removed that claim because it does not accurately communicate an individual’s dementia risk.

Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are also different conditions, so findings relating to one should not automatically be applied to the other.

Can Managing Type 2 Diabetes Reduce Dementia Risk?

There is no guarantee that good diabetes management will prevent dementia.

However, managing diabetes can reduce the risk of many complications that are themselves associated with poorer brain health, including stroke and cardiovascular disease.

The CDC lists uncontrolled diabetes among the modifiable factors associated with dementia risk and recommends preventing or managing diabetes as part of supporting long-term health.

Depending on individual medical needs, diabetes management may include:

Working with a healthcare professional to establish appropriate blood glucose targets.
Taking prescribed medication as directed.
Monitoring blood pressure.
Managing cholesterol.
Eating a nutritious, balanced diet. See our guide to brain-healthy foods.
Taking part in regular physical activity appropriate to your health and abilities.
Maintaining a healthy weight where appropriate.
Not smoking.
Limiting excessive alcohol consumption.
Attending regular medical reviews.

These measures are valuable for cardiovascular health and diabetes management regardless of their effect on dementia risk.

Type 2 Diabetes and Dementia: The Bottom Line

The relationship between type 2 diabetes and dementia is well established as an important area of medical research.

People with type 2 diabetes appear to have a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia, but diabetes does not mean that dementia is inevitable.

Several factors may help explain the association, including damage to blood vessels, stroke risk, insulin resistance, high and low blood sugar, inflammation and other metabolic changes.

Researchers are also continuing to investigate whether diabetes influences the biological processes involved in Alzheimer’s disease.

The most practical message is that managing diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol and cardiovascular health is important for overall health and may also help reduce some of the modifiable risks associated with cognitive decline.

If a person with diabetes develops new or worsening memory problems, confusion or difficulty managing everyday tasks, they should discuss these changes with a healthcare professional rather than assuming they are simply part of aging or diabetes.

What Is Dementia?

Common Causes of Memory Loss

Vascular Dementia

Stroke and Dementia

Is Alzheimer’s Disease Type 3 Diabetes?