
Type 3 Diabetes: What You Should Know – Bottom Line, Inc.
7 Overlooked Triggers of Alzheimer’s Disease
Dale Bredesen, MD | February 18, 2025
There are simple illnesses and there are complex illnesses. Pneumonia is an example of a simple illness. It usually has one dominant contributor, like the bacteria streptococcus pneumoniae, and therefore a single treatment like penicillin can kill the bacteria and cure the problem.
But complex illnesses have many contributors, and none of them are dominant. To deal effectively with a complex illness—to prevent, slow or reverse it—you have to identify and address multiple factors. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex illness.
There are many factors that can trigger the amyloid plaques and tau tangles that damage neurons and produce the memory loss, language problems, confusion, mood swings, and other symptoms of AD. But conventional care for AD usually overlooks these multiple factors, with doctors telling patients, “There is not much we can do.”
This hopelessness is false. In the majority of cases of cognitive decline and AD, triggers can be detected and treated. This approach is called precision or personalized medicine. It identifies and corrects the triggers of a particular individual. And science is proving that it works.
In a paper published in the August 6, 2024, issue of Biomedicines, a team of scientists reported “sustained cognitive improvement” for more than a decade in AD patients treated with a personalized protocol.
In a study of 255 people, also published in Biomedicines, enrolling in a precision medicine protocol for cognitive decline significantly improved or stabilized cognitive scores after a few months of treatment. In research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 25 people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia were evaluated and treated for several triggers of cognitive decline. After nine months of treatment with a personalized, precision medical protocol, the study participants had significant improvements in cognitive ability, as rated by three tests.
The most common triggers
Almost everyone with any degree of cognitive decline—from age-related memory loss to AD—has at least one of the most common triggers. The key is getting tests to detect your triggers, and getting treatments for them. Here are some of the most important (and often overlooked) triggers in AD:
Trigger #1: Nutritional deficiencies. The most important nutrients for brain health aid in the formation and maintenance of synapses, which help send messages from neuron to neuron. They include omega-3 fats, choline, vitamin B12, vitamin D, vitamin A (retinol), and zinc.
People with vitamin D deficiency are twice as likely to develop dementia. The most protective blood level of vitamin D is between 50 and 80 ng/mL. To reach your optimal level, use the “hundreds rule”: Subtract your current level (25 is fairly typical), from your target (let’s say, 60), which equals 35—which means you would take 3,500 IU daily of vitamin D.
Vitamin D boosts the absorption of calcium, so include at least 100 micrograms of vitamin K2 to prevent the deposition of calcium in arterial walls. And to prevent toxicity, don’t exceed a daily dosage of 10,000 IU.
Trigger #2: Insulin resistance.The hormone insulin helps move blood sugar (glucose) out of the bloodstream and into cells, including brain cells. Adequate glucose is a must for brain health and cognitive health. The brain is 2 percent of body weight, but it uses 20 percent of the body’s total glucose supply. Half of all American adults have insulin resistance, which stops needed glucose from reaching cells and increases the risk of AD by 30 to 100 percent.
A fasting insulin test can detect insulin resistance, with a target range of 3 to 5 µIU/mL (micro-international units per milliliter). You’re very likely to be insulin resistant if you’re a man with a waist circumference of 40 inches or over, or a woman with a waist circumference of 35 inches or over.
There are several key ways to correct insulin resistance:
Eat a plant-rich, fiber-rich diet, high in healthy fats and low in refined carbohydrates. Fast overnight for at least 12 hours.
Take zinc (20 to 50 milligrams [mg] daily), which helps regulate insulin and its use.
Reduce stress—for example, by not overscheduling or multitasking. Or for immediate relief, try a few minutes of “square breathing,” exhaling slowly through your mouth to the count of four, holding to the count of four, inhaling slowly through your nose to the count of four, and holding to the count of four.
Take a glucose-regulating supplement, like berberine (500 mg, three times daily) or cinnamon (½ teaspoon daily).
Trigger #3: Reduced oxygen while sleeping. To function well, the brain needs oxygen. If you want to prevent, slow, or reverse cognitive decline, you must be checked for your nighttime oxygen levels. It’s easy to do on your own. Just purchase an oximeter, which you wear on your finger overnight, checking it whenever you wake up. Optimally, your “oxygen saturation” level should stay in the 96 to 98 percent range. If you’re down in the 80s or 70s, you’re doing your brain a disservice. The usual cause of reduced oxygen during sleep is sleep apnea, repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. If oxygen levels are low, talk to your doctor about trying a dental device to improve breathing. Or use a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) device, which works by maintaining a continuous airflow, preventing airway collapse.
Trigger #4: Circulatory disease. Any reduction in blood flow to the brain can trigger cognitive decline. There are many ways to improve circulation, including regular aerobic exercise and strength training. Increase your movement throughout the day by getting up regularly whenever you’re sitting for hours at a time and walk around for a minute or two. For supplementation, consider beet root extract, which increases nitric oxide, a biochemical that dilates blood vessels. (Follow the dosage recommendation on the label.)
Trigger #5: Toxins. You are exposed to hundreds of toxins—from the mercury in seafood to air pollution to the benzene in paraffin candles to poisons from the black mold growing in water-damaged homes. All of these toxins affect neurons, compromising cognition.
The key is to minimize exposure, identify any toxins to which you are exposed (using a range of tests that you can discuss with your doctor, such as a urine test for chemical toxins like benzene and toluene, and the urinary test for mycotoxins), and increase the metabolism and excretion of toxins.
To increase excretion, increase glutathione, a compound the liver uses to detoxify. To do that, eat more cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and Brussel sprouts, and more onion and garlic, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus, avocados, okra, and liver.
Supplements that aid in detoxification include curcumin, N-acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, selenium, zinc, and milk thistle. (Follow the dosage recommendations on the label.)
Also, stay well hydrated, eat plentiful amounts of plant fiber, and induce sweating with exercise or by taking regular saunas.
Trigger #6: Leaky gut. The lining of the gut is a one-cell thick barrier—a barrier that’s constantly battered by toxins and stress. If the junction between cells loosens, you have what is called leaky gut, or increased intestinal permeability. The compounds that sneak through the barrier cause inflammation, which, in turn, causes neuroinflammation.
You can help protect and heal your gut lining—tightening the junction between cells—with bone broth, which is rich in glutamine, the preferred fuel of enterocytes, the cells that line the gut. Enjoy three or four servings per week. (More is not helpful.)
Trigger #7: Poor oral health. The bacteria generated by gum disease (periodontitis)—like P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and F. nucleatum—have been found in the brains of people with AD, and are linked to AD. A study published in Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy looked at 25,000 people ages 50 and older and found that people who had gum disease for 10 years or more were 70 percent more likely to develop AD.
To counter poor oral health, brush and floss regularly, and have routine dental checkups, including cleaning. You can also take an oral probiotic, a supplement of friendly bacteria that crowd out and replace the disease-causing bacteria of periodontitis
Dale Bredesen, M.D. – Search Videos
Dale Bredesen, MD, the Augustus Rose Professor of Neurology and director of the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research, the Alzheimer’s Disease Program and Neurodegenerative Disease Research in the David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA. He is founding president of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, California. Dr. Bredesen has authored or coauthored more than 200 scientific papers that have appeared in Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and other medical journals.
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What Is Type 3 Diabetes?
Understanding diabetes is crucial for managing its impact on health, and recently, there has been increasing discussion about a term known as “Type 3 diabetes.” Unlike Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, which are well-defined conditions, Type 3 diabetes is not a recognized medical diagnosis categorically accepted in medical communities such as the American Diabetes Association or the World Health Organization. Instead, it is often used to describe the progression and intertwining of Alzheimer’s disease with diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. This article explores the concept, implications, and current research surrounding Type 3 diabetes.
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This results in little or no insulin production, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Generally diagnosed in children and young adults, Type 1 diabetes requires lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body fails to use insulin efficiently. Over time, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. Primarily diagnosed in adults, lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity significantly influence Type 2 diabetes management.
Exploring Type 3 Diabetes
Type 3 diabetes is not a form of diabetes in the traditional sense but is a term sometimes used to describe Alzheimer’s disease’s shared pathological and biochemical features with diabetes. Understanding this requires looking at how insulin resistance plays a role beyond blood sugar regulation and its impact on brain health.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Insulin Resistance
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. Growing evidence suggests a link between insulin resistance (a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes) and Alzheimer’s pathology. Some researchers propose that Alzheimer’s could be termed “Type 3 diabetes” because of the brain’s insulin resistance.
Key Points in the Relationship:
Insulin’s Role in the Brain: Insulin in the brain regulates neurotransmitter functions crucial for learning and memory. Brain cells need insulin to metabolize glucose and function properly.
Impact of Insulin Resistance: Like Type 2 diabetes, where cells resist insulin’s effects, brain cells can also become insulin resistant. This leads to impaired glucose metabolism, contributing to cognitive decline.
Amyloid Plaques and Tau Tangles: These are hallmark signs of Alzheimer’s. Insulin resistance affects the brain’s ability to clear these plaques and tangles, exacerbating Alzheimer’s symptoms.
Is Type 3 Diabetes a Real Diagnosis?
Currently, Type 3 diabetes is not an officially recognized diagnosis. The term remains largely conceptual, illustrating the similarity between diabetes-related insulin resistance and Alzheimer’s disease progression rather than categorizing it as another diabetes type.
Why the Terminology Matters
The term “Type 3 diabetes” can help in understanding the significance of insulin resistance beyond glucose metabolism. It calls attention to the cross-disciplinary considerations needed when approaching Alzheimer’s research and treatment, urging a broader look at metabolic diseases’ systemic impacts.
Research on Type 3 Diabetes
Ongoing research aims to elucidate the potential connections between metabolic disorders like diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s.
Key Research Areas:
Biochemical Pathways: Studies investigate how insulin resistance impacts neural pathways and potentially contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Genetic Factors: Research examines genetic predispositions that might make individuals more susceptible to both Type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s, opening up potential for personalized medicine.
Therapeutic Interventions: Clinical trials assess medications used in diabetes management for their effectiveness against Alzheimer’s symptoms, such as the evaluation of insulin sensitisers.
Implications for Health Management
Understanding the interplay between diabetes and Alzheimer’s implies a multifaceted approach to treatment and prevention strategies.
Lifestyle Modifications
Diet: A balanced diet low in processed sugars and high in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats could potentially mitigate risks.
Physical Activity: Regular exercise improves insulin sensitivity and promotes overall brain health.
Mental Engagement: Cognitive training through activities that challenge the brain may reduce Alzheimer’s progression.
Medical Interventions
Patients with diabetes should consistently manage their blood sugar levels and work closely with healthcare providers to monitor for any cognitive decline, enabling early interventions.
FAQs About Type 3 Diabetes
Is Type 3 diabetes different from regular diabetes?
Yes, Type 3 diabetes is not a formal category like Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. It’s a term used more in research and discussions about Alzheimer’s as it relates to insulin resistance.
Can lifestyle changes reduce my risk of Alzheimer’s if I have diabetes?
Yes, lifestyle changes can reduce the risk. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and mental exercises can improve insulin sensitivity and overall health.
Will diabetes medication help with Alzheimer’s symptoms?
While some studies suggest insulin-related treatments could have cognitive benefits, more research is needed before such approaches become mainstream medical practices.
Future Directions
As research progresses, the understanding of how metabolic diseases like diabetes impact neurological health will influence preventive strategies and therapeutic options. This interdisciplinary focus holds promise for better managing and potentially lowering the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease, offering hope and clarity for those at the intersection of these conditions.
In conclusion, while Type 3 diabetes isn’t an officially sanctioned medical diagnosis, the concept underscores the importance of holistic health management and vigilance in how lifestyle and metabolic health impact cognitive decline. As we continue to explore these connections, individuals with diabetes should remain proactive in managing their health to maintain well-being across the spectrum of body systems.
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What Is Type 3 Diabetes? | Watch
While most of us are familiar with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, you may not have come across the term ‘type 3 diabetes’ before.
Type 3 diabetes is a term used to describe a condition associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It occurs when neurons in the brain become unable to respond to insulin, which affects memory and learning. Another use of the term is to describe the progression of type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer’s disease. A variant of the APOE4 gene may interfere with brain cells’ ability to use insulin, leading to cell death. LifeMD+3
Type 3c diabetes develops when your pancreas experiences damage that affects its ability to produce insulin. Conditions like chronic pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis can lead to pancreas damage that causes diabetes. Having your pancreas removed (pancreatectomy) also results in Type 3c diabetes.
Diabetes is a condition that happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It develops when your pancreas doesn’t make any or enough insulin (a hormone), or your body isn’t responding to the effects of insulin properly.
Your pancreas has two main functions:
- Exocrine function: Produces enzymes that help with digestion.
- Endocrine function: Sends out hormones (mainly insulin and glucagon) that control the amount of sugar in your bloodstream.
Pancreas damage that leads to Type 3c diabetes often also affects your pancreas’s ability to produce the enzymes that help with digestion. This condition is called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).
Other names for Type 3c diabetes include:
- Pancreatogenic or pancreatogenous diabetes mellitus.
- Pancreatic diabetes.
- Pancreoprivic diabetes.
How common is Type 3c diabetes?
Researchers estimate that Type 3c diabetes represents 1% to 9% of all diabetes cases. This range is wide because Type 3c isn’t as well-known, and people with the condition are often misdiagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.
What’s the difference between Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3c diabetes?
The main difference between these types of diabetes is what causes them.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in your pancreas for unknown reasons. People with Type 1 always need insulin to manage the condition.
Type 2 diabetes develops when your body doesn’t make enough insulin and/or your body’s cells don’t respond normally to the insulin (insulin resistance). People with Type 2 diabetes may manage the condition with lifestyle changes, oral medication and/or insulin.
Type 3c diabetes results from damage to your pancreas that isn’t autoimmune. People with Type 3c often also lack the enzymes their pancreas makes for digestion. In this type, the amount of insulin your pancreas makes can vary. Some people take oral diabetes medications and others need insulin to manage the condition.
Type 3 diabetes pancreatitis – Search Videos
Type 3c diabetes develops when your pancreas experiences damage, such as from chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis. People with Type 3c diabetes often also have a lack of pancreatic enzymes that are important for digestion. Type 3c diabetes is manageable with oral diabetes medications and/or insulin.Type 3c diabetes, also known as pancreatogenic diabetes, develops when the pancreas is damaged in ways that affect its ability to produce insulin. Conditions such as chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreas surgery (pancreatectomy) can lead to pancreas damage that causes diabetes.
HOPE On The Horizon | Cancer Quick Facts
Posted on February 26, 2014, by Ken
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas having several causes and symptoms and requires immediate medical attention. It occurs when pancreatic enzymes (especially trypsin) are activated in the pancreas instead of the small intestine. It may start out as acute – beginning suddenly and lasting a few days, or become chronic and lasting indefinitely.
NOTE: I AM NOT SURE HOW MUCH THIS POST WILL HELP YOU. BUT BACK IN 2014 IT ASSISTED A FACEBOOK FRIEND OF MINE SHARING THIS COMMONSENSE AWARENESS WITH HER. BECAUSE SHE COULDN”T FIND A DOCTOR WILLING TO COME UP WITH THE ANSWERS SHE SEEKED!!!