Article / Blood Sugar, Insulin, and Alzheimer's Disease

Did you know that there is a third type of diabetes that is linked to the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimers? Although the term “Type 3 Diabetes” has not been embraced by doctors and health organizations, the link between sugar/carb intake, insulin, and this brain disease has been found and an article was published in the National Library of Medicine (see below).

The article states that the term “type 3 diabetes” accurately reflects the fact that Alzheimer’s is a form of diabetes that affects the brain. This is emerging research that needs to be watched closely, as it offers the possibility of an answer about the cause of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as the hope that this disease can be prevented in the future.

The article describes Alzheimer’s disease as a neuro-endocrine disease involving impaired insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), which can also involve inflammation and oxidative stress (an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body). Scientists believe that insulin resistance in the brain can lead to the characteristic symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease such as loss of memory, decreased judgment & reasoning, increased amyloid plaques, oxidative stress, and inflammation.

A study from 2016 (see below) suggests that insulin-degrading enzymes may shift type 2 diabetes to type 3, by altering metabolic pathways. It is believed that when the diet is high in sugars and carbohydrates, insulin is so focused on handling the load that insulin-degrading enzymes are left unchecked, allowing them to degrade brain tissue.

Risk Factors for Developing Type 3 Diabetes

– A diet high in sugars, calories, fat, and low in fiber

– Exposure to stress

– Lack of Physical Activity

– Genetics, Race, and Ethnicity

– Family History and Birth Weight

– Low Socioeconomic Status

Research Is Ongoing

It is believed that people can use diet and lifestyle changes to manage their weight and blood sugar, which may play a role in preventing cognitive decline.

The National Institute on Aging says there is encouraging, though inconclusive, evidence that increasing physical activity, monitoring blood pressure, and doing cognitive training may prevent or delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.

Research is exploring curcumin, ketogenic diets, and antioxidants as possible therapeutic agents, though their research is ongoing.

The National Institute of Diabetes & Digestive and Kidney Diseases advises maintaining a moderate body weight and physical exercise may help by preventing insulin resistance and pre-diabetes.

Although the research is ongoing, scientists say that managing blood glucose may be a sensible approach for avoiding or delaying Alzheimer’s.

Managing blood glucose can be done by:

– Avoid Sugar Sweetened drinks & flavoured coffee

– Avoid fruit-flavoured yogurts

– Avoid White Bread, Rice, Pasta

– Avoid dried fruit and fruit juices

– Avoid all sugar, honey, maple & corn syrup, agave

– Avoid french fries (high in carbs & toxins)

Increase consumption of the following foods:

– Brocolli, Brussel Sprouts, Okra, Berries, Avocados

– Seafood

– Pumpkin & Flax Seeds