Why have I never heard this? I was completely shocked when I was doing some research and stumbled across this news. To understand this better, let’s define the types of Diabetes, define Alzheimer’s Disease, understand the symptoms of T3, how T3 affects the brain, and natural ways of healing – if there are any. Let’s go!
Diabetes (overarching definition): The body’s inability to convert sugar to energy.
Type 1 Diabetes: The body’s inability to produce insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: The body develops insulin resistance.
Gestational Diabetes: The body’s inability during pregnancy to create enough insulin.
Type 3 Diabetes: The brain’s insulin resistance and insulin-like growth factor dysfunction.
All forms of Diabetes are related to the Pancreas where insulin is formed. If there is insulin resistance or an inability to create insulin the blood sugar rises. High blood sugar creates numerous issues including obesity, organ damage, depression, anxiety, stroke, eye damage, nerve damage, cancer, and death.
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) has been defined as the progressive mental deterioration that can occur in middle or old age, due to generalized degeneration of the brain. Alzheimer’s Disease is a form of Dementia.
AD has already been identified as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States, and the fifth leading cause of mortality in people 65 and older. It has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues…. Unfortunately, diabetes is following right behind AD as the seventh leading cause of mortality and is projected to affect almost half a billion people by the year 2045. From the article Type 3 Diabetes and Its Role Implications in Alzheimer’s Disease
What is Insulin?
To make sure we are all on the same page, I want to define Insulin as well. Insulin is the hormone in the body that regulates glucose levels. It is created in the Pancreas and its role is to regulate the body’s energy supply by balancing micronutrient levels. It transports glucose to insulin-dependent cells / tissues like the liver and muscles. Insulin also aids in breaking down fats and / or proteins for energy.
So, how are Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease related?
Recent discoveries make scientists theorize that AD is a metabolic syndrome, which makes sense. For more information on Metabolic Syndrome please check out my blog post Everyone Over 35 Should Know the Term Metabolic Crisis.
There is a known link between Diabetes and vascular (blood vessels) degeneration. With not only damaged blood vessels but also damaged nerves, impaired energy metabolism, and chemical reactions, it is clear that Diabetes has a profound negative impact on the brain.
Several studies have been completed over the past couple of years that have connected insulin resistance in the brain and the inability to retain memories, learn new things, and do basic tasks, all cognitive issues directly related to Alzheimer’s Disease.
Recommended reading: Type 3 Diabetes and Its Role Implications in Alzheimer’s Disease
More recommended reading: Alzheimer’s Disease is Type 3 Diabetes-Evidence Reviewed
Who is most at risk?
People with long-term undiagnosed Diabetes T2 are most at risk. As Diabetes T2 progresses it damages nerves and blood vessels across the body including the brain. Additionally, chemical changes within the brain may also play a factor.
People who are classified as obese have a higher chance of Diabetes T3. Obesity reduces flexibility, and mobility, and increases vascular issues, neurological disorders, and organ damage.
Many scientists theorize that Alzheimer’s Disease starts around age 35 and continues to deteriorate the brain as we age.
According to a 2016 study, people who have type 2 diabetes may be up to 60 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, such as vascular dementia. From Type 3 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease: What You Need to Know
How do I fix it?
Start as soon as possible. Lose weight if you are classified as obese. If you have Diabetes, get rid of the sugar, it is poison to your body. Change your diet, eat more meat and vegetables. Get rid of the grains – flour, pasta, cereal. Exercise regularly. Even walking 30 minutes a day works.
Superfoods for diabetes include asparagus, blueberries, grapefruit, beans, broccoli, carrots, fish, flaxseed, cranberries, apples, melon, nuts, oatmeal, red onions, raspberries, spinach, soy, green tea, tomatoes, and Greek yogurt.
Recommended Reading – How to Manage Diabetes with Diet and Exercise
I wish you the best on your journey!
Blessings – E