Researchers have found evidence of a relationship between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease risk, with some health professionals referring to it as type 3 diabetes. This connection may be due to a high-fat diet leading to increased inflammation, which in turn could raise the risk of dementia. However, adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle may help reverse this process and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Studies conducted at Texas A&M University have shown a potential link between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease, with researchers exploring how a protein in the gut could influence brain processes. They found that eating a high-fat diet suppressed a protein called jak3 in mice, leading to inflammation that ultimately resulted in Alzheimer’s-like symptoms.
The researchers caution that more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Previous studies have indicated a 56% increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease among individuals with type 2 diabetes, suggesting that diet and lifestyle may play a significant role in the progression towards Alzheimer’s. By controlling or avoiding type 2 diabetes, it may be possible to reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. The researchers believe that this connection may also extend to other types of dementia, although further investigation is necessary to confirm these findings.
According to a report by the Keck School of Medicine USC, around 81% of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease have type 2 diabetes, highlighting the strong link between these two conditions. Some experts refer to this relationship as “type 3 diabetes”, emphasizing the connection between the liver, gut, and brain in the development of both diseases. High blood sugar levels can harm the brain and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, as the brain requires significant energy to function properly. Both high and low blood sugar levels can lead to vascular damage in the brain and subsequent cognitive impairment, potentially leading to Alzheimer’s disease.
Treatment for type 2 diabetes aims to prevent the condition from causing other health problems by controlling blood sugar levels and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Effective treatments include bariatric surgery, weight loss medications, diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors. Bariatric surgery can help individuals eat less, consume healthier foods, and engage in physical activity, reducing the risk of diabetes. Weight loss medications such as tirzepatide and semaglutide can also aid in weight loss and help control type 2 diabetes. Additionally, diet and lifestyle changes focusing on weight management and inflammation reduction can significantly reduce the risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Clinical nutritionists recommend a diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, eggs, nuts and seeds, low-sugar fruits, and dairy in moderation. Grass-fed meat, olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados are sources of healthy fats that can help reduce inflammation in the body. By focusing on these dietary recommendations and making lifestyle changes, individuals can take proactive steps to reduce their risk of developing type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. These interventions can begin early in life to prevent high blood sugar levels or at the onset of prediabetes to reverse the progression towards these conditions. It is essential to take a holistic approach to health that includes diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications to promote overall well-being and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
