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.

The life of a woman can be called a cycle of various physical and hormonal changes occurring at particular points throughout life. From menstruation at puberty up to menopause, there will be numerous changes experienced by the female body, which can bring about consequences for her physical and psychological well-being.

Being a healthcare professional, I should mention that although medication is sometimes unavoidable, there is no point in neglecting alternative ways, including yoga.

Yoga Can Help Women

Yoga is an exercise that involves asanas, pranayamas, and meditation. There is now scientific evidence indicating that yoga aids in coping with certain conditions in women. It achieves this by positively influencing the neuroendocrine, autonomic nervous system, and stress responses.

A significant number of women are victims of menstrual conditions such as dysmenorrhea, PMS, abnormal menstrual cycle, and heavy menses during their reproductive age. The conditions may become worse due to stress, since it affects hormone levels.

Yoga reduces the amount of congestion in the pelvic area, increases blood flow, increases body flexibility, and reduces stress hormones such as cortisol. Consequently, most women have painless and psychologically stable menstruation.

Yoga Can Improve PCOS Symptoms

Moreover, yoga can prove highly helpful in the case of women who are suffering from Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). It is the most prevalent endocrine disorder that affects women of childbearing age.

The condition has insulin resistance, obesity, irregular menstruation, and metabolic conditions as its symptoms. Thus, yoga, along with healthy living, can provide some assistance in terms of improving insulin levels, maintaining weight, reducing stress, and balancing hormones.

Yoga in Pregnancy

Yoga has many advantages during pregnancy. It will ensure good posture, decrease lower back pain, increase flexibility, improve breath control, and prepare the body for delivery. In addition, prenatal yoga helps with dealing with emotional and mental issues related to pregnancy, which will have a positive effect on the mother and her baby.

Yoga During Perimenopause And Menopause

With the onset of perimenopause and menopause, the reduction in levels of estrogen is known to cause side effects like hot flashes, insomnia, irritability, exhaustion, aches in the joints, and thinning bones. All these factors have significant impacts on both the daily life activities and the emotional state of women.

The research shows that yoga may be helpful in overcoming the symptoms of menopause through relaxation, improvement in sleep, muscle strengthening, and better handling of emotions. Breathing techniques and meditation help in lowering stress and positively influencing the mental state of patients.

Apart from the specific diseases that yoga can alleviate, it promotes self-awareness, which plays an important role in managing one’s emotions. Nowadays, women tend to have a large number of duties, such as working, taking care of children, and doing housework. Chronic stress leads to many diseases, for instance, high blood pressure, obesity, heart issues, and psychological problems.

For all phases of female development, from menstruation until menopause, the emphasis should be on not just the treatment of diseases but the maintenance of wellness. While yoga cannot replace medical care, it remains an important supplement that aids in achieving physical fitness as well as mental and spiritual well-being. Through regular yoga practice, a woman will develop her resilience and become stronger in every phase of life.

(By Dr. Ruchi Bhandari, Director- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Yatharth Hospital, Noida)

Yoga can act as a "polypill" by addressing multiple underlying factors that contribute to lifestyle diseases, according to Dr. Rima Dada, Professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), who has been studying yoga and its impact on lifestyle disorders for the past 20 years.

Speaking about her research, Dr. Rima said yoga is a profound science, technology, and art of living that can tackle factors that set the stage for a wide range of diseases.

Yoga May Benefit Multiple Health Conditions

According to Dr. Rima, yoga can help address conditions including hypertension,

• coronary artery disease,
• polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS),
• unexplained male factor infertility,
• primary open-angle glaucoma,
• autoimmune diseases,
• rheumatoid arthritis,
• Alzheimer's disease.

• accelerated ageing,
• shorter telomeres,
• persistent activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis,
• a dysregulated immune system,
• high levels of stress and anxiety,
• inflammation,
• oxidative stress.

Yoga's For Oxidative Stress And Inflammation

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Dr. Rima said evidence-based studies conducted by her team have shown that yoga addresses these underlying factors.

According to the findings, yoga reduces oxidative stress by increasing the expression of various antioxidants. It also improves mitochondrial health and reduces free radicals produced as by-products of ATP production.

The studies further showed that inflammation decreases because the expression of genes coding for anti-inflammatory factors increases, while the expression of genes that promote inflammation declines.

Yoga May Support Brain Health

The research also found that yoga increases the expression of genes involved in DNA repair. In addition, yoga promotes parasympathetic dominance, resulting in increased rest, repair, and digestion.

Dr. Rima said yoga also positively modulates the epigenome and increases the expression of factors beneficial for overall health. She noted that yoga promotes brain health, improves mental well-being, and enhances the production of factors associated with neurogenesis in key areas of the brain. These changes may help improve memory and build emotional resilience.

Gut-Brain Axis and Immune Health

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Dr. Rima said yoga has also been shown to improve gut microbial flora, helping maintain the integrity of the gut-brain axis.

According to her, this supports the secretion of factors that help maintain immune, endocrine, and mental health.

Yoga Is An Entire Lifestyle

Emphasizing that yoga extends beyond physical postures, Dr. Rima said it is an entire lifestyle that includes diet, asanas, pranayama and dhyana.

She said yoga and asanas help bring the body into proper geometry and alignment, while also improving flexibility, range of motion and neuromuscular coordination.

This alignment, she explained, enables more effective breathing. Nasal inhalation and exhalation activate certain areas of the brain that promote a state of relaxed wakefulness.

Yoga Is The Need of The Day

Dr. Rima said effective breathing increases blood flow to the brain and raises nitric oxide levels, which help improve circulation while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.

"Thus, yoga is a polypill and is the need of the day," she said.

Heavy menstrual bleeding caused by fibroids and other gynecological conditions is a major but often overlooked contributor to anemia among Indian women, said Dr. Roma Sinha, Chief Gynecologist and Director of Gynecological Robotic Surgery at Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad, today.

Speaking at the Times Network India Health Summit 2026 at Hyderabad, Dr. Sinha highlighted how many women normalize excessive menstrual bleeding and delay seeking medical attention, often leading to severe anemia and a reduced quality of life.

Fibroids And Heavy Bleeding Behind Anemia

According to Dr. Sinha, it is not uncommon for women to visit her clinic with hemoglobin levels as low as five or six grams per deciliter.

"Most of the time, it is not nutritional anemia. Women lose so much blood during their menstrual cycles that they are unable to rebuild their hemoglobin levels," she said.

While national programs such as Anemia Mukt Bharat focus heavily on pregnant women, Dr. Sinha pointed out that anemia occurring during other stages of a woman's life often goes unnoticed.

She said many women learn from family members and friends that heavy bleeding is "normal" and simply continue to suffer without seeking treatment.

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Fatigue And Poor Quality Of Life

Beyond the underlying disease, Dr. Sinha emphasized the impact heavy menstrual bleeding has on women's daily lives.

"Many women think they are tired because of stress, work, or family responsibilities. But often it is low hemoglobin and iron deficiency causing that fatigue," she said.

The expert noted that a simple hemoglobin test can help diagnose anemia, yet many women continue to prioritize the health of their families over their own well-being.

Lack of Awareness

Dr. Sinha identified lack of awareness and negligence as two major reasons why women delay medical consultations.

"Heavy bleeding occurs only for a few days every month, so women tend to tolerate it and move on. Many don't realize that it is treatable and that ignoring it can lead to dangerously low hemoglobin levels," she said.

The expert stressed the need for greater public awareness and open conversations about menstrual health.

"It should not be a taboo to talk about heavy menstrual bleeding," she added.

Surgery Not The Only Treatment Option

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A common fear among women, Dr. Sinha said, is surgery. Many patients avoid consultations because they assume treatment will automatically mean a hysterectomy —the surgical removal of the uterus— after which pregnancy is impossible, the top gynecologist said. However, she clarified that surgery is not the only option available for fibroids.

"Fibroids are largely benign tumors. Women today have choices, including medical management, non-invasive treatments, myomectomy, or hysterectomy, depending on their individual needs and preferences," she said.

The expert added that modern technologies such as robotic surgery have significantly improved outcomes for women requiring treatment.

Dr. Sinha also highlighted long-term research conducted on women who underwent robotic surgery for fibroids.

"We followed patients for ten years and found that 86.3 per cent conceived and delivered successfully after surgery," she said.

The findings, she noted, should reassure younger women concerned about fertility after fibroid treatment.

Early Diagnosis

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While early detection cannot eliminate fibroids completely, Dr. Sinha said it can prevent severe anemia and improve overall quality of life. "Current treatments can control symptoms and act as bridge therapies, helping women avoid complications and delay more definitive treatment when appropriate," she explained.

'Don't Ignore Heavy Bleeding'

In her message to women, Dr. Sinha urged them to listen to their bodies and seek help when they notice abnormal menstrual bleeding.

"If you feel your periods are heavier than normal, don't ignore it. Get a simple hemoglobin test and consult a gynecologist," she said.

Dr. Sinha also called on families, particularly men, to support women in seeking care and to pay attention when they complain of persistent fatigue or excessive menstrual bleeding.