Most people are aware of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but did you know there is a type 3 diabetes as well! It is a more obscure term. Although it is not an accepted medical diagnosis, type 3 diabetes has been discussed in the literature as a possible relationship between insulin resistance in the brain and Alzheimer's disease. This link has been described to help explain how metabolic disorders impact brain health, causing cognitive decline and dementia.

What is Type 3 Diabetes?

Type 3 diabetes is more of a misnomer because it should not be confused with type 3c diabetes, which relates to pancreatic dysfunction. The term "type 3 diabetes," on the other hand, has been loosely used by some scientists to analogously propose that Alzheimer's disease is strongly implicated with insulin resistance in the brain.

This concept was conceptualized by Dr. Suzanne de la Monte and Dr. Jack Wands of Brown University in the year 2008. This hypothesis postulated that Alzheimer's disease may be called type 3 diabetes for it bears many similarities with glucose metabolism disorder type 2 diabetes. Their concept arises from the basic principle that insulin is fundamental to blood sugar regulation, but it is also the case with the brain. When brain cells become insulin-resistant, they lose access to glucose, impairing their function.

Research published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology supports this hypothesis by indicating that insulin resistance can be a significant contributor to the occurrence of dementia, also referred to as Alzheimer's. The symptoms of memory loss and diminished reasoning are associated with impaired glucose metabolism in the body, especially in the cerebral tissue.

Symptoms of Type 3 Diabetes

Although type 3 diabetes is not a "medical term," its symptoms correlate well with Alzheimer's diseases that are known to reduce the ability to think in an efficient manner and bring down brain health. These signs are:

- Loss of memory, especially short-term.

- Poor judgment and judgment ability

- Failure in recognizing people or places familiar once.

- Failure in the process of reading, writing or processing numbers

- Anxiety, agitation, or mood changes.

- Disorganized thoughts or confusion

- Lack of impulse control

As the disease advances, patients may be afflicted with severe complications including an inability to swallow or control their bodily functions. In the final stages, most patients die from fatal complications such as aspiration pneumonia.

Causes of Type 3 Diabetes

This may not be well understood with regards to type 3 diabetes, or the exact link between insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease. Some identified contributing factors include the following:

1. Insulin Resistance

Insulin acts as an important regulatory mechanism of brain functions such as memory and cognition. The reduction in insulin signaling may impair metabolism of brain cells, thus bringing about neurodegeneration.

2. Type 2 Diabetes

These diseases show a strong relationship and those individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have double chances of getting Alzheimer's. In the two, the main causes can be chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and a defect in glucose metabolism.

3. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors

Insulin resistance associated with obesity, stress, and an unhealthy diet is considered a cause that may increase the chances of Alzheimer's disease.

Researches in Frontiers in Neuroscience and The Lancet Neurology have also highlighted that drugs used for antidiabetic medication may be crucial for the prevention or at least slowing down the course of Alzheimer's.

Treatments for Type 3 Diabetes

In 2022, in a study in Pharmaceuticals, researchers studied biomarker uptake in brain regions implicated in the faulty uptake and metabolism of blood sugar in Alzheimer’s patients.

Emerging Therapies

Research into such treatments as intranasal insulin has also been promising. Intranasal delivery of insulin directly to the brain has been reported to enhance glucose uptake by brain cells, improve memory, and boost cognitive performance. While such clinical trials have been shown to be successful, additional research is needed for safety and efficacy.

Medications

For patients being aggressive or agitated, antipsychotic drugs may be prescribed; however, therapies such as cognitive rehabilitation as well as cognitive stimulation therapy serve to preserve memory and executive function.

Lifestyle Interventions

Diet, exercise, and stress management are critical in preventing and managing insulin resistance. A review in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease also highlighted the benefits of Kirtan Kriya meditation, which can regulate genes involved in insulin and glucose metabolism, improve sleep, and reduce inflammation.

Can Type 3 Diabetes Be Prevented?

Although type 3 diabetes is not officially recognized, its connection to Alzheimer’s disease underscores the importance of proactive measures for brain health. Some prevention strategies include:

1. Healthy Diet

Consuming a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, whole grains, and healthy fats may support brain health.

2. Regular Exercise

Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity, reduces inflammation, and enhances overall metabolic health.

3. Stress Reduction

Mindfulness practices, including meditation, have been shown to lower stress levels, which can reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

The term type 3 diabetes brings out the complex relationship between metabolic disorders and brain health. Even though it is not a recognized medical condition, the concept emphasizes the crucial role of insulin in brain function and its possible contribution to Alzheimer's disease. Continued research will hopefully provide hope for therapies such as intranasal insulin and lifestyle modifications.

World Liver Day 2026 is observed every year on April 19 to raise awareness of the importance of liver health, focusing on preventing diseases such as cirrhosis and fatty liver through healthy lifestyles.

The liver is a key organ that filters blood, breaks down food, stores energy, and keeps the human body in balance.

However, rising metabolic risk factors, including high blood sugar and obesity, are increasingly driving cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

Nearly one-third of the global adult population today lives with MASLD, which can remain asymptomatic for years but turn into deadly scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis (advanced fibrosis and loss of some of the liver function), or even liver cancer.

World Liver Day: Origin

The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) launched World Liver Day in 2010. The day was established on April 19 to commemorate the EASL's founding in 1966.

World Liver Day 2026: Theme

This year, 2026, the World Liver Day theme is “Solid Habits, Strong Liver”. It emphasizes building consistent lifestyle habits, such as balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding alcohol, and routine check-ups, to strengthen liver health and prevent diseases.

Burden Of Liver Diseases

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zklb3ZCyX2o

From filtering toxins to aiding in digestion and metabolism, the liver silently performs over 500 crucial functions in the body. The organ is also blessed with the ability to regenerate itself.

Yet data shows that 2 million lives worldwide are lost each year to liver disease. About 1.5 billion people suffer from chronic liver disease.

MASLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), has emerged as the most common liver condition worldwide. These patients suffer from either obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, or cholesterol problems.

According to a recent study published in The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology journal, MASLD affected 1.3 billion people around the globe in 2023.

The alarming study estimates the numbers to further spike by over 38 percent to reach 1.8 billion cases by 2050, causing substantial health and economic impacts worldwide.

MASLD remains one of the most prevalent and rapidly growing liver conditions worldwide, with its prevalence marking a 143 percent increase between 1990 and 2023.

Also read: Why Regular Scans Are Crucial for Liver Cancer Patients: Doctors Explain

People with obesity, diabetes, central or abdominal fat, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and insulin resistance are more likely to have MASLD. Obesity is the strongest risk factor, with the likelihood rising steeply from overweight to severe obesity.

Other signs to watch for include

• persistent fatigue
• Digestive issues and bloating
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• Skin changes

Everyday Habits That Harm The Liver

Certain lifestyle choices can accelerate liver damage, such as:

• Overeating processed or fried foods
• High sugar intake (soft drinks, sweets, desserts)
• Physical inactivity or prolonged sitting
• Ignoring health issues like diabetes or hypertension
• Crash dieting or taking unprescribed supplements.

How To Improve Liver Health?

Early screening and detection are key to prevent irreversible stages. Yet liver disease can be prevented with lifestyle changes such as:

• Eating a balanced diet with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein
• Engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise daily
• Staying hydrated to help the liver flush out toxins
• Avoiding alcohol and smoking
• Avoiding self-medication and unnecessary pills
• Getting routine health screenings.

A growing number of young professionals aged 18 to 30 are being diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), a trend that is linked to the pressures and habits of modern life, said health experts today.

World Irritable Bowel Syndrome Day is held annually on April 19th to raise global awareness, reduce stigma, and support the roughly 700 million people worldwide suffering from the condition.

According to health experts, the combination of long hours in the office, irregular diets, high-stress levels, and lack of physical activity has paved the way for a lifestyle that is making young adults increasingly susceptible to developing symptoms related to their gut.

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Nidhi Rawal, Consultant - Pediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist, Rainbow Hospital, explained the major risk factors that are taking a visible toll on digestive health.

1. Chronic stress

Young professionals are faced with a fast-paced job environment full of obstacles and demands that they experience daily, along with performance pressure and increased digital overload; all of these factors can hurt the gut-brain axis.

When the gut-brain axis becomes disrupted, the motility and sensitivity of the digestive system can be affected, producing gut-related symptoms, such as abdominal discomfort, excessive gas, and changes in bowel movements.

2. Dietary habits

The increased reliance on processed foods, increased frequency of ordering takeout and fast food, excessive caffeine consumption, and irregular meal schedules can disrupt digestion and alter the balance of healthy vs unhealthy microbiota in the digestive tract.

3. Skipping meals

Skipping meals or eating a late dinner can also raise risk of IBS, and worsen symptoms.

4. Lack of physical activity

Being sedentary for long periods of time results in slowing the digestion process and therefore increases the risk of constipation and bloating.

5. Poor sleeping habits

Common among people in this age group, this also affect hormones and digestion negatively.

6. Better access to diagnostic tests

Better access to diagnostic tests and awareness are leading to an increase in diagnosis of the condition, that can also enable faster treatment and early recovery.

What Is IBS?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common but often overlooked gastrointestinal disorder, and less than 15 per cent get diagnosed.

Common symptoms include

• bloated abdomen,
• abdominal pain,
• gas,
• diarrhea,
• constipation.

Why IBS Symptoms Are Often Ignored

IBS remains undiagnosed for many years as people tend to normalize these symptoms over time or attribute them to "something they ate" or everyday stresses.

One reason for this delay in being diagnosed is that the symptoms occur intermittently.

It is also important to note that the presentation of these symptoms is inconsistent and unpredictable; there may be episodes where the IBS can last many days, and then completely resolve, thus providing a false sense of relief.

Therefore, many individuals choose to delay consulting with a physician due to their belief that the symptoms they are experiencing are not serious.

Another contributing factor is that there is still a degree of reluctance or discomfort associated with discussing problems related to the gastrointestinal tract openly; this only further complicates under-reporting statistics.

IBS is a functional disorder. Therefore, routine diagnostic testing will not reveal any visible abnormalities.

Many patients may assume that the symptoms they are experiencing are not "real" or are not significant enough to warrant seeking medical attention, even though the discomfort they experience can be quite significant and affect their daily lives.

To treat IBS effectively, those suffering from it need to adopt some lifestyle changes, such as

Regular mealtimes,

A balanced diet,

Exercise,

Stress reduction.

While vaccinations against human papillomavirus (HPV) are key to preventing cervical cancers in women, a new study has shown that the shots can also lead to a significant risk of head and neck cancers in men and boys.

The study, published in JAMA Oncology, showed that men and boys who received the HPV vaccine from ages nine to 26 were nearly 50 per cent less likely to develop cancers of the head and neck, esophagus, anus, or penis.

The results show the importance of vaccinating all children and teens against HPV, said Taito Kitano, DrPH, first author of the study and a researcher at Nara Prefecture General Medical Center in Nara, Japan, CIDRAP News reported.

“Children, adolescents, parents, and health care workers should be more informed about the expected benefits of the HPV vaccine, not just cervical cancer,” Kitano added.

The study included more than 510,000 boys and men vaccinated between January 2016 and December 2024, along with an equal number of unvaccinated males.

Vaccinated participants in the study were given shots that prevent infection with nine strains of HPV.

What Are HPV-related Cancers in Men

HPV-related head and neck cancers often develop in the back of the mouth and throat. They are asymptomatic in the early stages and are typically found only after they cause pain or swelling.

However, by the time these symptoms begin to appear, the cancers are often larger and more advanced, making them harder to cure.

Earlier this year, the European Cancer Organization noted in a LinkedIn post urged for HPV vaccine for all people, regardless of gender.

"HPV affects everyone, regardless of gender. It can lead to cancers of the cervix, mouth and throat, anus, and penis. This is why universal protection is so important," it said.

According to Dr David Pfister, an oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, the HPV vaccine protects men from penile, neck, and head cancer. He also noted that while a pap test detects early-stage cervical cancer in women, no such test exists for penile, anal, or head and neck cancers in men, which can worsen their survival rate.

"Developing something like a pap test for throat cancer would be a game-changer. When you compare the throat to the cervix, the anatomy of sites like the tonsils and the base of the tongue has hard-to-reach crevices in which the virus can hide," Dr Pfister explained.

"Until an effective and reliable screening test is developed, patients should stay up to date on their HPV vaccines, know how the disease is acquired, and take any suspicious symptoms like a lump in the neck or blood in the phlegm to their doctor or dentist," he added.

The findings have important implications for vaccination policies. HPV vaccination programs have focused primarily on women because of the link between HPV and cervical cancers. The study provides evidence that HPV vaccination should be accessible irrespective of sex.