Diabetes Type 3 is now being referred to as Dementia. Doctors have known for a long time that being obese and having Type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. They’re now beginning to talk about another form of diabetes and how it affects the brain.

A study conducted in 2008 states that the term “type 3 diabetes” accurately displays the fact that Alzheimer’s disease is a form of diabetes that affects the brain.

Diabetes Type 3 basically means there is too much blood glucose, also referred to as sugar, in the brain. This comes from insulin resistance with processed sugars and carbs. 

Diabetes may also cause chemical imbalances in your brain, which may trigger Alzheimer’s. Also, high blood sugar levels lead to inflammation, which may damage brain cells. For these reasons, diabetes is considered a risk factor for a condition called vascular dementia. Vascular dementia is a stand-alone diagnosis with symptoms of its own, or it can be a warning sign of what will develop into an overlap with Alzheimer’s disease.

Next time you go into the doctors office for your annual physical, it's a good idea to ask your doctor to give you a metabolic blood panel that includes insulin levels. Metabolic health tells you how well your liver and kidneys are functioning, which is key in breaking down sugars in the body.