Blog / Therapies

Why Alzheimer’s Disease May Be Type-3 Diabetes

Insulin resistance and Type-2 diabetes are conditions of blood sugar imbalance which are known to be caused by poor diet and lifestyle. Research is now showing that forms of dementia, like Alzheimer’s disease, may be caused by insulin resistance of the brain and is thus being called “Type-3 diabetes”. Type-3 diabetes is silent and can take years to lead to loss of brain function. One does not have to have hyperglycaemia, type-2 diabetes or any noticeable symptoms for insulin resistance to occur in the brain. 

Insulin is an essential hormone that the body releases in response to a spike in blood sugar. It signals the cells to take in sugar for energy, and the rest is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles and then any excess as fat. When we live a lifestyle with no exercise, poor sleep, too much stress and eat a diet low in whole foods and high in processed sugars and carbohydrates, our body pushes out too much insulin which results in the insulin receptors on our cells becoming desensitized. This is called insulin resistance.

Insulin helps the brain to function optimally by keeping the blood vessels healthy and allowing the neurons to take in glucose which gives them energy to form connections. If the brain cells become insulin resistant, like in the case of Type-3 diabetes, then the neurons can’t take in the glucose they need for optimal function. The brain develops a plaque known as beta-amyloid in response to a lack of insulin, or insulin resistance, which surrounds brain cells and damages them causing cognitive impairment. Insulin resistance in the brain also changes dopamine function which leads to poor memory and lack of concentration.

Type-3 diabetes may become the world’s next major epidemic but it can be prevented or reversed if we make a few simple changes to our diet and lifestyle. Eating a diet low in sugar and processed foods and including more fruits, vegetables and high quality proteins in the diet can help to achieve blood sugar balance and re-sensitize the insulin receptors in the brain. Including more healthy fats in the diet, like fish, nuts, seeds, avocado and coconut oils, help to balance blood sugar and protect the brain from damage.

Managing your stress with meditation and breathing exercises, and doing about 30 minutes of physical exercise per day can help to prevent cognitive decline and re-sensitize the insulin receptors. Finally, getting at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night is important to balance blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.

Sources

https://robbwolf.com/2015/03/25/type-3-diabetes-the-next-epidemic/
http://drhyman.com/blog/2016/02/12/why-alzheimers-is-now-considered-type-3-diabetes/