Fact 2: Alzheimer’s Disease – Type 3 Diabetes?
The striking similarities between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease have led some researchers to refer to Alzheimer’s as “Type 3 Diabetes”. This term suggests that just like type 1 and type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s might be another form of a metabolic disorder.
The central hypothesis here is that Alzheimer’s disease could stem from insulin resistance and deficiencies occurring within the brain. Brain cells, like other cells in the body, require insulin to convert glucose into energy. When insulin resistance occurs in the brain, it can lead to impaired energy conversion and, consequently, damaged brain cells.
More than just a theory, several research studies have supported this idea. They’ve found that people with Alzheimer’s often have low levels of insulin in their brain. Moreover, their brains demonstrate reduced ability to respond to insulin, much like what happens in diabetes.
So, by thinking of Alzheimer’s as a form of diabetes, we might be able to frame it as a metabolic disease. This shift in understanding could have far-reaching implications for how we approach Alzheimer’s treatment and prevention. (2)
