We're all familiar with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, conditions defined by the body's inability to manage blood sugar. But have you heard of Type 3 Diabetes?
This term isn't yet an official medical diagnosis, but it represents a groundbreaking and powerful concept that could change how we view one of the most feared diseases of our time: Alzheimer's disease.
Let's break down what it is, why it has earned this provocative name, and what you can do to protect your brain.
What is Type 3 Diabetes?
In simple terms, Type 3 Diabetes is the hypothesis that Alzheimer's disease is fundamentally a form of diabetes that specifically affects the brain.
Here's the logic:
Type 1 Diabetes: The pancreas produces little to no insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes: The body's cells become resistant to insulin, so they can't use it effectively.
Type 3 Diabetes: The brain becomes resistant to insulin.
Your brain is a sugar-hungry organ, using about 20% of the body's glucose. Insulin in the brain isn't just for blood sugar regulation; it's a crucial signaling molecule for memory formation, neuron survival, and overall cognitive function. When brain cells become resistant to insulin, they are starved of energy and begin to malfunction and die, leading to the classic memory loss and cognitive decline seen in Alzheimer's.
Why is it Called "Type 3 Diabetes"?
The term was coined to highlight a fundamental shift in understanding. For decades, Alzheimer's was seen primarily as a disease of tangled proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles) in the brain. The "Type 3 Diabetes" frame suggests that these plaques and tangles might be a symptom or a downstream effect of a deeper problem: faulty energy metabolism in the brain.
It reframes Alzheimer's from a mysterious brain disorder to a potentially preventable and manageable metabolic condition.
The Sugar-Insulin-Brain Health Triangle
The relationship between sugar, insulin, and your brain is a delicate dance.
You Eat Sugar/Refined Carbs: Your blood sugar spikes.
Insulin is Released: The pancreas secretes insulin to shuttle glucose from the blood into cells for energy.
The Brain's Role: Brain cells use insulin to absorb glucose. This energy is vital for everything from forming a thought to creating a memory.
The Problem of Resistance: When you consistently consume high amounts of sugar, your body is constantly flooded with insulin. Over time, cells—including brain cells—start to ignore its signal. This is insulin resistance.
The Brain Starves: An insulin-resistant brain cell is like a locked factory with fuel trucks (glucose) waiting outside. The brain is surrounded by energy, but can't use it, leading to cellular starvation, inflammation, and damage.
Why Removing Refined Sugar is a Power Move for Your Brain
Cutting out refined sugar (soda, candy, pastries, white bread) is one of the best things you can do for your long-term brain health. Here's why:
Prevents Insulin Resistance: It keeps your insulin levels stable and sensitive, ensuring your brain cells can effectively absorb the energy they need.
Reduces Inflammation: High sugar intake is a major driver of chronic inflammation, which is heavily implicated in the progression of Alzheimer's.
Minimizes Harmful Byproducts: Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are harmful compounds formed when sugar reacts with proteins. AGEs damage cells, contribute to plaque formation in the brain, and accelerate aging.
The Pioneers Behind the Concept
The term "Type 3 Diabetes" was first introduced in a 2005 research paper by Dr. Suzanne de la Monte and her team at Brown University. Her groundbreaking work was among the first to comprehensively demonstrate that insulin resistance and insulin-like growth factor dysfunction in the brain are central to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's.
While Dr. de la Monte is a key pioneer, other prominent researchers like Dr. David Perlmutter (author of Grain Brain) and Dr. Robert Lustig have been instrumental in popularizing the science behind sugar's detrimental effects on the brain.
What Does Dr. Jason Fung Say About Intermittent Fasting and Alzheimer's?
Dr. Jason Fung, a nephrologist and leading expert on intermittent fasting and low-carb diets, strongly advocates for these approaches as a powerful intervention for metabolic diseases, including Alzheimer's.
His core argument is that intermittent fasting helps "reset" insulin resistance. When you fast for a period (e.g., 16-18 hours), your insulin levels drop significantly. This allows your cells, including brain cells, to regain their sensitivity to insulin.
Furthermore, fasting induces a metabolic state called ketosis, where the body starts burning fat for fuel and produces ketones. Ketones are a super-efficient, "clean-burning" fuel source for the brain that does not require insulin to be utilized. For an insulin-resistant brain, ketones can provide an alternative energy source, potentially bypassing the metabolic block and improving cognitive function.
Dr. Fung posits that by improving insulin sensitivity and providing the brain with ketones, intermittent fasting can be a potent strategy for both preventing and managing Alzheimer's disease.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.
