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Diabetes Management

The Connection Between Type 3 Diabetes and Alzheimer's Disease

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By Apollo 24|7, Published on - 22 August 2024

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Diabetes, a condition known to affect blood sugar levels, is generally classified into Type 1 and Type 2. Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes are known to increase the risk of developing vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s. But there’s another form of diabetes, which is Type 3, associated with Alzheimer’s because of its impact on neurons in the brain due to insulin impairment. Many researchers believe insulin deficiency to be the central cause of cognitive decline of Alzheimer’s disease.

However, it’s important to note that type 3 Diabetes is not currently an official medical term but rather a concept which has a few studies showing that the hypothesis stands true.

How are Alzheimer's and Diabetes Similar?

Many genes are found to be an associative risk of developing Alzheimer’s. One of them is the APOE4 gene and a person having this gene has an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s. This particular gene is responsible for insulin impairment in the brain. Alzheimer's and diabetes intersect at various points, but three core similarities are particularly striking. Let's have a look:

  1. Insulin Resistance: Both illnesses display an inability to effectively utilise insulin, leading to impaired glucose metabolism, which can escalate neurodegeneration risk in Alzheimer's.
  2. Neurodegenerative Patterns: Cognitive decline and memory loss are common symptoms of prolonged neurodegeneration seen in both Alzheimer's and type 2 diabetes.
  3. Metabolic Alterations: Increased oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation contribute to cellular damage and inflammation, advancing the progression of both diseases.

Treatment Implications

Currently, there’s no one treatment for type 3 Diabetes. Understanding the complex relationship between Alzheimer's and diabetes could be instrumental in creating effective treatment strategies. The possible approach could be targeting insulin resistance through anti-diabetic agents or other inhibitors for patients who do not have the APOE4 gene. Additionally to the APOE4 gene, a high-fat diet causing peripheral insulin resistance also leads to insulin impairment in the brain. Hence, diet and exercise improving peripheral insulin resistance can become one of the treatment or disease-delaying strategies. 

Potential Therapeutic Strategies

Drawing from the connection between Alzheimer's and diabetes, several therapeutic strategies can be considered:

  • Insulin sensitizers like metformin could be beneficial in reducing insulin resistance.
  • Anti-diabetic agents such as sulfonylureas may improve glucose metabolism.
  • Metabolic modulators that target specific metabolic pathways can potentially reduce oxidative stress.

However, further research is imperative to comprehend the relationship between Alzheimer's disease and diabetes completely.

Living with diabetes may not be easy, but it can be managed better with consistent support and personalised guidance. The Apollo Super 6 programme is one such initiative that aims to provide comprehensive support and resources for individuals navigating the terrain of type 2 diabetes.

From improving diet and fostering active lifestyles to providing personalised plans and free diabetes tests, Apollo Super 6 can be a valuable ally in your journey towards better health.

So, while understanding the intricacies of Type 3 Diabetes can seem daunting, remember that support is available. Together, we can navigate the complexities of diabetes and stride towards a healthier future.

Diabetes Management

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