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.

Fatigue, joint pain, headaches, and cognitive issues often described as “brain fog” are among the lingering effects many people experience long after recovering from COVID-19. This condition, known as long COVID, can persist for months or even years—and so far, there’s no proven treatment. But researchers are now exploring an unexpected source of hope: a diabetes and obesity drug called tirzepatide.

What Is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a prescription injectable medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes and support chronic weight management in adults who are obese or overweight with a related condition. It is sold under two brand names: Mounjaro, used for diabetes, and Zepbound, approved for weight loss.

Can Weight Loss Drugs Help Long COVID Patients Recover?

In a recent survey led by Dr. Julia Moore Vogel, a program director at Scripps Research, patients with long COVID who were prescribed tirzepatide reported striking results. Between 60% and 90% of participants said their symptoms improved.

“I was expecting only about 30% to show improvement,” Vogel said. “If it’s truly between 60% and 90%, that would be remarkable.”

Encouraged by these early findings, Vogel and her team have launched a clinical trial at Scripps Research to test the drug’s potential benefits more rigorously. The trial, currently a quarter of the way through recruitment, aims to enroll 1,000 participants with long COVID. Half will receive tirzepatide, while the other half will take a placebo.

A Drug with Far-Reaching Effects

Tirzepatide, developed by Eli Lilly, belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, already popular for their effectiveness in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes. According to Dr. Eric Topol, co-director of the Scripps clinical trial and founder of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, this class of medications could have much broader applications.

“When I say potent, I mean across multiple systems,” Topol explained. “Not just weight loss, but also benefits for the heart, liver, kidneys, migraine headaches, even rheumatoid arthritis and addiction.”

Eli Lilly is supplying the drug for the study, while the project is being funded by the Schmidt Institute for Long COVID (SILC).

A First-of-Its-Kind Virtual Trial

“This is the first long COVID clinical trial that allows patients to participate entirely from home,” Redd said. “Medication is shipped directly to participants, and all assessments are conducted virtually. It opens the door for patients across the U.S. to take part.”

Off-Label Use and Access Challenges

While tirzepatide is already FDA-approved for diabetes and weight loss, its use for long COVID remains experimental. Vogel noted that “off-label” use of approved drugs is common in medicine, but coverage barriers can limit access.

“The challenge for many patients will be insurance,” she explained. “Companies will likely require stronger data before agreeing to cover such an expensive medication.”

A Researcher with Personal Stakes

For Vogel, this research is deeply personal. She has lived with long COVID for five years, an experience that has left her largely homebound, as per KPBS News,

“No treatment I’ve tried has helped,” she shared. “When I saw that 60 to 90 percent of people reported improvement on tirzepatide, I was blown away. I really hope the data confirms it.”

The Scripps team is also studying body-monitor data to track how patients’ symptoms change over time, hoping to gain clearer insights into how and why tirzepatide might work.

Though it’s still early, the findings have offered a glimmer of optimism for millions struggling with the long-term effects of COVID-19. If tirzepatide’s promise holds true, it could mark a significant step toward understanding and treating one of the pandemic’s most stubborn mysteries.

President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to reduce the cost of popular weight loss drugs, including Wegovy and Zepbound, through his self-pay platform, TrumpRx. The move aims to make these medications more accessible to Americans paying out of pocket.

However, drug policy experts warn that the plan may not benefit everyone. Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of the Medicare policy program at KFF, said, “It’s a situation where we have more questions than answers…there’s a lot that the administration itself hasn’t even ironed out as of yet.”

What is TrumpRx?

TrumpRx is a self-pay online platform launched by the Trump administration to sell prescription medications, including popular weight loss drugs, at discounted prices. It is designed for patients who pay out of pocket, aiming to make high-cost treatments like Wegovy and Zepbound more affordable, as per USA Today.

TrumpRx Launches Discounted Weight Loss Medications

President Donald Trump unveiled a plan to reduce the cost of popular weight loss drugs, including Wegovy and Zepbound, through his platform, TrumpRx. The move aims to make these medications more accessible to Americans paying out of pocket.

However, drug policy experts warn that the plan may not benefit everyone. Juliette Cubanski, deputy director of the Medicare policy program at KFF, said, “It’s a situation where we have more questions than answers…there’s a lot that the administration itself hasn’t even ironed out as of yet.”

TrumpRx Zepbound Price Drop: Starting Doses Only

The White House confirmed that the starting doses of GLP-1 pills like Zepbound will cost $149 a month, while injections will have an initial “weighted average” price of $350, expected to drop to $250 within two years.

Experts note this may not reflect real costs. Art Caplan, head of medical ethics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explained, as per NBC News, “You can’t really tell from what’s going on…It’s just murky as to how this will take shape, how the programs will work.”

Patients often increase doses over time for effective weight loss, meaning those relying on higher doses may pay significantly more than the starting prices advertised.

TrumpRx and Medicare Coverage: Limited Access

Under the deal, Medicare will pay $245 a month for Zepbound injections, and patients’ copays will be capped at $50. Medicaid enrollees often have no copay.

But Cubanski warns, “Medicare, by law, is barred from covering weight loss drugs alone,” meaning only patients with additional conditions like heart or kidney disease will qualify. Stacie Dusetzina, a health policy professor at Vanderbilt University, said as per NBC News, “Without broader coverage, millions of patients will remain priced out even as the administration touts lower costs.”

TrumpRx: Unapproved Versions Included

The plan also covers drug forms that have not yet received FDA approval, including oral versions and multidose Zepbound pens. Lawrence Gostin, director of the O’Neill Institute at Georgetown University, described this as risky: “It is reckless to negotiate pricing deals on products which the FDA have not yet approved as safe and effective. The administration is getting way out ahead of its own safety agency.”

TrumpRx Savings: Experts Urge Caution

While the deal may seem ambitious, experts caution that actual savings for patients could be limited. Cubanski emphasized, “It just feels a little bit too squishy right now.” Dr Shauna Levy, an obesity specialist, added, “As an obesity community, I think we will remain skeptical of this deal until we see how it actually plays out.”

Limitations in coverage, unapproved drug versions, and higher costs for increased doses mean the impact may be less than anticipated. Patients and healthcare providers will need to carefully navigate these changes, weighing potential savings against practical access and safety considerations.

Tramadol, part of the opioid class, is commonly prescribed for moderate to severe pain, such as after an injury or surgery. Because of its potency and ability to manage pain effectively, doctors may turn to tramadol when other pain relievers fail. It is usually available as a tablet or capsule, but can also be given as a liquid or injection, the latter often used in hospital settings.

In certain cases, ongoing tramadol use may be necessary, especially for those living with chronic pain conditions. While it can be essential for daily pain management, it is important to be aware that prolonged use may increase the risk of unwanted side effects.

What is Tramadol?

Tramadol is a dual-action opioid that affects serotonin and norepinephrine pathways, often described as a middle-ground painkiller, stronger than non-opioid medications but thought to be less addictive than morphine. It is prescribed for moderate-to-severe pain, including both post-surgical discomfort and long-term chronic conditions.

Globally, prescriptions have surged, partly because of the perception that tramadol is safer and carries a lower risk of dependence compared with stronger opioids.

Tramadol Side Effects: Dangers of Taking Tramadol Over A Long-Term Period

Hyperalgesia

The NHS has warned about the risks of long-term tramadol use, including hyperalgesia. This condition can make you more sensitive to pain, so that ordinary aches feel much stronger or more intense than usual. If this occurs, your doctor may recommend gradually reducing the tramadol dose to help ease these heightened sensations.

Tolerance

Over time, the body can develop a tolerance to tramadol. This means you may need higher doses to achieve the same level of pain relief that you once got from a smaller amount.

Addiction

Being an opioid, tramadol carries a risk of addiction, particularly when used for a long stretch. Signs that dependency is developing could include difficulty stopping the medication or taking it more often than prescribed.

Stopping tramadol suddenly can also lead to withdrawal symptoms, such as feelings of anxiety or restlessness. If this happens, your GP may reassess your treatment plan to ensure you are on the safest dose necessary to manage your pain effectively.

Time To Reconsider Tramadol For Chronic Pain?

Recent research, including a systematic review and meta-analysis by Medscape, suggests that tramadol’s effectiveness for chronic pain may be limited. The studies found only minimal pain relief while noting that serious side effects were twice as likely among tramadol users, particularly cardiac complications.

“Considering the modest pain relief and heightened risk of harm, tramadol should be reconsidered for chronic pain management,” said Dr. Jehad Ahmad Barakji of the Centre for Clinical Intervention Research at Rigshospitalet in Copenhagen, speaking to Medscape Medical News.

Researchers did note that the quality of evidence varied, with certainty ranging from low to moderate. Common serious issues involved the heart, such as chest pain, coronary artery disease, and heart failure. Non-serious but bothersome side effects — including nausea, dizziness, constipation, and drowsiness, were frequent and often led patients to stop taking the drug.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any questions about medications or health conditions.