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.

A 27-year-old woman in US' state of Arizona suffered a cardiac arrest after using kratom, an over-the-counter supplement she purchased at a local gas station.

Amanda Goodsell, who had never taken kratom before, suffered a cardiac arrest after nearly a week of using the supplement and is now on life support, according to her family.

The mother of 3½-year-old twins tried the kratom gummies at the suggestion of her husband, Mike Goodsell, while seeking relief from persistent leg pain.

“Everybody knew what Kratom was. So I was like, well, okay, well, here, just take this. You could just buy it at the gas station. It’s not going to hurt you,” Mike Goodsell was quoted as saying to the media.

Nearly a week later, Mike found his wife unresponsive in their bed, and rushed her to the hospital, where she was placed on life support

“She like, was like red and her lips were blue, and she was foaming. So I like jumped out of bed. I grabbed her, and then (I) was trying to wake her up,” he said.

“They had to have her on a ventilator to help her breathe. And then they had to put her on a bunch of medications because her heart percentage was at 15%,” Mike added.

After spending two weeks in the hospital, Amanda Goodsell's condition began to improve. Although she has shown significant improvement, as per the doctors she will need a defibrillator and heart medication for the rest of her life.

Also read: Legionnaires' Disease Claims 5th Life In New York City: Health Officials

What Is Kratom?

Kratom is a plant-based substance derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used in countries such as Thailand and Malaysia for pain relief and increased energy, it has gained popularity in the US as an over-the-counter supplement.

Kratom is sold in multiple forms, including powders, capsules, teas, drinks and gummies.

Although it remains legal in many parts of the US, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has classified kratom as a "drug of concern" and has not approved it for any medical use.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an estimated 1.7 million Americans aged 12 and older used kratom in 2021.

The substance, sometimes referred to as "gas-station heroin," is banned in at least eight US states—Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Louisiana, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin. Several other states, including Iowa and Idaho, are considering restrictions or outright bans.

Why Does The FDA Warn Against Kratom?

Read More: Hantavirus Claims 3 Lives In Venezuela: What The Rat-borne Virus Does To The Brain

According to a University of Virginia study, there were 43 hospitalizations linked solely to kratom in 2015. By 2025, that number had risen to 538. Researchers said the increase coincided with the emergence of highly concentrated synthetic products, including 7-OH.

The FDA has stated that kratom should not be used as a dietary supplement.

"Kratom is not appropriate for use as a dietary supplement. FDA has concluded from available information, including scientific data, that kratom is a new dietary ingredient for which there is inadequate information to provide reasonable assurance that such ingredient does not present a significant or unreasonable risk of illness or injury."

The agency has warned consumers not to use kratom because of the risk of serious adverse events, including liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder (SUD).

The FDA also notes that, in rare cases, deaths have been associated with kratom use, although these cases usually involved other drugs and the contribution of kratom remains unclear.

The agency is also aware of cases involving neonatal abstinence syndrome, in which newborns experienced withdrawal symptoms such as jitteriness, irritability and muscle stiffness following prolonged exposure to kratom during pregnancy.

Brain health is often associated with old age, but according to neurologists, the foundation for healthy cognitive function is laid much earlier.

On World Brain Day, they warned that the 30s and 40s are a crucial period to protect the brain, as lifestyle habits and underlying health conditions can quietly affect memory, concentration, and overall cognitive health.

Brain Ages Alongside the Heart

Speaking to HealthandMe, Dr. Gurucharan Adoor, Neurologist, Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road, Bengaluru, said brain health is closely linked to cardiovascular health. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and elevated blood sugar can silently damage the brain years before noticeable symptoms appear.

His advice? Make preventive health checks a routine by monitoring blood pressure, blood glucose or HbA1c, cholesterol, weight, and waist circumference—especially for people with a family history of diabetes, stroke, or early heart disease.

Brain Fog A Warning Signal

Also read: Neurological Disorders Emerging As India's Next Major Public Health Challenge, Say Experts

Dr. Adoor said sleep is often the first thing people sacrifice during their busiest years, but the brain pays the price.

Irregular sleep schedules, untreated sleep apnea, and repeated nights of poor-quality sleep can lead to mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and persistent brain fog. If brain fog continues, he said, it should not be ignored, as it may indicate an underlying health issue that requires attention.

Dr. Bhushan Joshi, Consultant Neurologist, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, told HealthandMe that he is "seeing more professionals in their 30s and 40s complaining of brain fog than ever before". According to him, hormonal changes and chronic inflammation are among the common but often overlooked causes.

Hormonal Changes Can Affect Cognitive Function

Dr. Joshi noted that hormonal fluctuations can significantly influence brain function. Women entering perimenopause may experience difficulty concentrating, while others may notice "word retrieval and short-term memory due to changing estrogen levels that influence brain function."

He added that it is not limited to women. Men also undergo age-related hormonal changes that can affect energy levels and cognitive performance. While these changes are often temporary, they can still be distressing.

Read More: Aspartame, Saccharin, Erythritol Linked To Faster Brain Ageing: Study

Chronic Inflammation May Reduce Mental Clarity

Dr. Joshi explained that chronic low-grade inflammation can also contribute to brain fog. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, and persistent infections can trigger inflammatory responses that interfere with the brain's ability to process information efficiently. In some people, inflammation has been linked to reduced attention, poor memory, and diminished mental clarity.

Small Lifestyle Changes Key

The good news: Simple daily habits can support long-term brain health. Regular physical activity—whether it's walking, cycling, dancing, or strength training several times a week—improves blood flow to the brain, boosts mood, and supports healthy ageing.

Dr. Adoor also recommends limiting unnecessary screen time, taking regular breaks from phones and digital devices, and focusing on one task at a time to reduce mental overload.

When Should You See A Doctor?

Occasionally feeling mentally sluggish is common, but worsening memory problems or cognitive changes that begin interfering with work or daily life should not be ignored, Dr. Joshi said.

He added that these symptoms may stem from treatable conditions such as thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies, anxiety, or depression, making timely medical evaluation important.

Insufficient sleep can impact the brain. A good night's sleep allows the brain to repair and even recharge. Poor sleep over time can increase the risk of several neurological disorders and affect overall brain health.

This article helps to understand how poor sleep can take a toll on neurological health. Read on to know more about this and get a sound sleep at night.

Currently, due to hectic schedules, people are now sacrificing sleep to meet work deadlines, study longer, or spend more time on screens. Missing a few hours of sleep once in 2-3 months is harmless.

However, chronic sleep deprivation can not only cause irritation and weight gain but also neurological issues. During sleep, the brain processes memories, repairs nerve cells, regulates emotions, and clears waste products that accumulate throughout the day.

When sleep is disturbed on a regular basis, there can be a risk of neurological problems over time.

How Poor Sleep Affects The Brain

Also read: The Silent Impact of Stress On Your Brain: How Chronic Stress Affects Memory, Focus, And Mental Health

If you are one of those who is unable to get a sound sleep at night, then beware. If you are a night owl, then you will have to ensure you sleep well now.

Sleep helps the brain store and organise new information. Lack of sleep can make it difficult to concentrate, learn new skills, and remember important details. Many will also experience poor decision-making.

Poor sleep, especially when associated with conditions like sleep apnoea, can increase blood pressure and reduce oxygen supply, raising the risk of stroke in the near future.

Long-term sleep deprivation may reduce the brain's ability to clear harmful proteins such as beta-amyloid, which are linked to Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

People who sleep too little or have poor-quality sleep can also suffer from constant headaches and migraine attacks. In people living with epilepsy, inadequate sleep is a common trigger for seizures. Poor sleep increases the risk of anxiety, depression, irritability, and emotional stress.

Tips For Better Brain Health Through Sleep

It is necessary to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep per day. Maintain a consistent sleep and wake-up schedule.

Avoid screens, caffeine, and heavy meals before hitting the sack. Exercise regularly but avoid intense workouts late at night.

Keep your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark so that you can sleep better. Seek help from the doctor if you snore loudly, stop breathing during sleep, or feel excessively sleepy during the day.

So, just like a balanced diet, exercise, and staying stress-free by doing yoga and meditation, getting a good night’s sleep is also important. Sleep well and prevent any neurological issues.