When most of us hear the word diabetes, we think of it as a disease that affects the body's sugar levels, heart, kidneys, and eyes. That's true. But did you know, recent research has found that diabetes can also directly affect our brain and memory. Some doctors are even using a new name for this condition, which is 'Type 3 Diabetes'. So today, let's talk about this.
What exactly is 'Type 3' diabetes?
Simply put, 'Type 3 diabetes' is a name that some experts have proposed for Alzheimer's disease. The reason is that they believe that the primary cause of some forms of Alzheimer's disease is the damage that diabetes can do to the brain over time.
For a long time, scientists thought that the hormone insulin had nothing to do with brain function. But now we know that's not the case. Insulin also travels to our brain cells. And this insulin is very important for our thinking and memory.
So, when your brain doesn't get enough insulin, or when it can't use the insulin it does get properly (we call this insulin resistance), the daily functioning of brain cells begins to deteriorate. This is what happens in Alzheimer's disease.
But one thing is important to remember. 'Type 3 diabetes' is not yet an accepted medical diagnosis. It is still in the research stage. Therefore, no doctor will officially tell you that you have 'Type 3 diabetes'.
Why is this happening? What are the reasons?
Research has clearly shown that people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer's and other dementias later in life. This is due to several factors.
1. Damage and inflammation to blood vessels
Diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Also, when blood sugar levels rise, inflammation occurs in the body. This is not good for our blood vessels. When the delicate blood vessels in the brain are damaged in this way, it can pave the way for Alzheimer's disease.
2. Disruption of communication between nerve cells
When blood sugar levels rise, protein clumps called beta-amyloid build up in the brain. These clumps clump together and get stuck between nerve cells in the brain. Like traffic jams on a road, these clumps of protein prevent nerve cells from communicating with each other. This is a key feature of Alzheimer's disease.
3. Tangling of the Tau protein
Imagine that our brain has a system of tiny tubes (microtubules) that transport nutrients back and forth within the nerve cells. A protein called tau acts as a 'guardian' to keep this system of tubes in order and from going astray. In the brain of someone with Alzheimer's disease, this tau protein gets tangled up. Then the system of tubes gets blocked, the cells can't transport what they need, and the cells die. Some studies have found that there are more of these tangled tau proteins in the brains of people with diabetes.
4. Insulin Resistance
This is the heart of the concept of 'Type 3 Diabetes'. Like the cells in the body, when brain cells do not respond properly to insulin, those cells do not get the energy (fuel) they need. Then brain function is impaired. Also, insulin resistance in the brain increases a harmful condition called oxidative stress.
| Other factors that increase risk | |
|---|---|
| Genetic Factors | More than half of Alzheimer's patients have a gene called APOE4. This gene has been found to make it difficult for the brain to use insulin. |
| Lifestyle | - Chronic stress - Lack of exercise - A diet high in calories, sugar and fat, and low in fiber |
What could be the symptoms of this condition?
The symptoms associated with the concept of 'Type 3 Diabetes' are similar to those of Alzheimer's disease. These can be seen in the early stages.
| Symptom category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Problems with memory and thinking | - Forgetting important days or events. - Asking the same question over and over again. - Difficulty following something that has several steps, like a recipe. - Forgetting what you wanted to say while talking. |
| Changes in daily routines | - Forgetting how to use a device that has been used for a long time (e.g. TV remote). - Leaving belongings in strange places. - Loss of interest in cleanliness. - Making bad decisions regarding money. |
| Behavior and mood changes | - Gradually distancing yourself from friends and family. - Unwillingness to step out of one's 'comfort zone'. - Getting angry or anxious easily. |
If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms, especially if you also have diabetes, please talk to your doctor about them. Don't ignore them.
Let's learn about diagnosis and treatment.
As we mentioned earlier, there is no official diagnosis for type 3 diabetes, so a doctor cannot perform a test to prove it. However, if you are having problems with your memory, your doctor will test you for dementia.
This may include mental status questionnaires, brain scans (MRI or CT scans), and sometimes spinal fluid tests.
When it comes to treatment, there is no specific treatment for 'Type 3 Diabetes'. But there are two most important things you can do:
1. If you have diabetes, control it well. It is essential to use the medication prescribed by your doctor exactly and control your blood sugar levels.
2. Get current treatments for Alzheimer's disease. While these treatments cannot completely cure the disease, they can help slow the rate at which symptoms worsen.
Some research has also suggested that some diabetes medications, such as metformin and pioglitazone, may reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life. Further research is ongoing.
How can you protect your brain health and reduce this risk?
To stay safe from this risk, there are some very important things we can add to our lifestyle. These are very good for your brain health, as well as your entire body.
- Stay active: Exercise for 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Choose something you enjoy. It can be walking, dancing, or cycling.
- Avoid smoking: If you smoke, ask your doctor for help to quit.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains (like brown rice), lean meats, and low-fat dairy products. Reduce sugar and saturated fats.
- Take care of your blood pressure: If your doctor has prescribed medication, take it exactly as prescribed.
- Sleep well: Try to get 7-8 hours of good sleep every day.
- Be social: Spend time with friends and family. Loneliness and isolation are not good for the brain.
- Learn new things: Things like learning a new language, a musical instrument, or solving puzzles build new connections between brain cells.
Take-Home Message
- 'Type 3 diabetes' is a term used to describe the brain damage caused by diabetes that can lead to Alzheimer's disease. However, this is not yet an officially recognized diagnosis.
- High blood sugar levels and insulin resistance can seriously damage your brain cells and impair memory.
- If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar levels well controlled is extremely important for your body and brain health.
- If you notice any loss or change in your memory, especially if you have diabetes, don't ignore it and talk to your doctor right away.
- By following a healthy lifestyle (good diet, exercise, socializing) you can protect both your body and your brain.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න