Can Type 3 Diabetes Be Reversed? What You Should Know
When you hear the word “diabetes,” you probably think of type 1 or type 2. But in recent years, researchers have introduced another concept—type 3 diabetes. This is not an official diagnosis, but rather a term used to describe the connection between Alzheimer’s disease and insulin resistance in the brain. One of the most pressing questions people ask is: Can type 3 diabetes be reversed? The answer is that type 3 diabetes cannot be fully reversed. However, its progression can often be slowed or managed through healthy lifestyle changes, medical care, and controlling risk factors.
This guide will explain what type 3 diabetes means, how it relates to Alzheimer’s, the symptoms and risk factors, treatment options, and lifestyle strategies you can use to lower your risk.
What Is Type 3 Diabetes?
Type 3 diabetes is not recognized as an official diagnosis by major medical organizations such as the American Diabetes Association (ADA) or the World Health Organization (WHO). Instead, it is a term coined by researchers to describe Alzheimer’s disease as a form of diabetes that affects the brain.
Here’s why:
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Insulin resistance in the brain: Just as type 2 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inability to respond properly to insulin, researchers suggest that type 3 diabetes represents the brain’s resistance to insulin. This resistance may interfere with how the brain uses glucose, its primary source of energy.
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Neurodegeneration: Over time, this impaired glucose metabolism is believed to contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition marked by memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes.
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Shared risk factors: Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are known risk factors for both Alzheimer’s and type 3 diabetes, strengthening the connection between the two.
In short, type 3 diabetes is an informal label describing Alzheimer’s disease with an emphasis on its metabolic roots.
How does type 3 diabetes differ from type 1 and type 2?
To make sense of type 3 diabetes, it helps to compare it to the other types:
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Type 1 diabetes: An autoimmune condition where your body attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
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Type 2 diabetes: A chronic condition caused by insulin resistance and lower insulin production, often linked with lifestyle factors.
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Type 3 diabetes: Refers to insulin resistance in the brain, often linked with Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline.
Unlike type 1 or type 2, type 3 diabetes doesn’t involve blood sugar testing or insulin injections. It’s more about protecting brain function.
How is type 3 diabetes linked to Alzheimer’s disease?
The concept of type 3 diabetes first appeared in 2005, when researchers noticed similarities between insulin resistance in the body and the brain changes seen in Alzheimer’s.
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Insulin’s role in the brain: Insulin is not only critical for regulating blood sugar but also for supporting brain functions such as learning and memory. Resistance to insulin in the brain may impair these processes.
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Amyloid plaques and tau tangles: Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by abnormal protein deposits in the brain. Insulin resistance may accelerate the buildup of amyloid-beta plaques and tau tangles.
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Cognitive decline in diabetics: Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
What are the symptoms of type 3 diabetes?
Since type 3 diabetes is closely linked with Alzheimer’s, its symptoms overlap with those of dementia and cognitive decline. Common symptoms may include:
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Memory loss that disrupts daily life
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Difficulty planning or problem-solving
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Confusion about time or place
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Trouble understanding visual or spatial relationships
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Problems with speech or writing
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Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
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Withdrawal from social or work activities
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Changes in mood, personality, or behavior
These symptoms generally progress gradually and worsen over time.
What are the risk factors?
The risk factors for type 3 diabetes overlap with those of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. These include:
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Age: Risk increases significantly after age 65.
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Genetics: Having a family history of Alzheimer’s or carrying the APOE-e4 gene increases risk.
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Type 2 diabetes: Long-term insulin resistance can negatively affect the brain.
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Obesity and poor diet: High sugar and processed food intake may accelerate cognitive decline.
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Lack of exercise: Sedentary lifestyle reduces brain health and increases metabolic problems.
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Cardiovascular disease: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease increase Alzheimer’s risk.
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Chronic stress and poor sleep: These can impair both metabolic and cognitive health.
Can Type 3 Diabetes Be Reversed?
This is the central question—and the answer is complex. Currently, there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, and by extension, no definitive way to “reverse” type 3 diabetes. However, there is promising research suggesting that lifestyle interventions and certain treatments may slow progression, improve symptoms, and reduce risk.
Why Reversal Is Difficult
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Irreversible brain damage: By the time symptoms of Alzheimer’s or type 3 diabetes appear, significant damage may have already occurred in the brain.
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Chronic progression: Neurodegeneration is a gradual and progressive process that is difficult to reverse.
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Limited treatments: Current medications for Alzheimer’s only manage symptoms rather than halt or reverse the disease.
Hope Through Prevention and Management
While full reversal is unlikely, early intervention may help prevent or significantly delay onset. Researchers emphasize neuroprotection supporting brain health before severe decline occurs.
What treatments are available?
Although there is no cure, several approaches are being studied to manage type 3 diabetes:
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Medications
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Alzheimer’s drugs: Such as donepezil and memantine, which help manage cognitive symptoms.
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Diabetes drugs: Some studies suggest that medications like metformin and intranasal insulin may support brain function.
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Lifestyle Interventions
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Diet: Anti-inflammatory diets such as the Mediterranean or MIND diet emphasize whole foods, healthy fats, and antioxidants that support brain health.
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Exercise: Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and supports cognitive function.
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Sleep hygiene: Poor sleep is a risk factor for both diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
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Mental stimulation: Activities like reading, puzzles, and social interaction help build cognitive reserve.
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Emerging Research
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Ketogenic diet: Some research suggests that ketones can provide an alternative fuel source for insulin-resistant brains.
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Novel drugs and therapies: Clinical trials are exploring new ways to target amyloid plaques, tau proteins, and insulin pathways.
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Gene therapy: Investigational approaches are being studied, though these are still in early stages.
Lifestyle Strategies to Reduce Risk
While type 3 diabetes may not be fully reversible, adopting healthy lifestyle habits can make a significant difference in prevention and management:
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Balanced Diet
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Prioritize vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
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Reduce processed foods, refined sugars, and trans fats.
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Consider brain-healthy diets like the MIND diet.
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Exercise Regularly
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Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week.
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Include strength training and flexibility exercises.
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Maintain Healthy Weight
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Obesity is strongly linked with both diabetes and Alzheimer’s.
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Protect Heart Health
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Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
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Get Quality Sleep
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Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep per night.
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Treat conditions like sleep apnea.
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Stay Mentally Active
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Engage in lifelong learning, puzzles, or games.
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Stay socially connected.
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Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol
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Both accelerate brain aging and metabolic dysfunction.
The Bottom Line
So, can type 3 diabetes be reversed? The straightforward answer is: not at this time. Alzheimer’s disease, often referred to as type 3 diabetes, cannot be fully reversed once brain damage has occurred. However, growing evidence suggests that lifestyle changes, early interventions, and emerging treatments can significantly reduce risk, slow progression, and improve quality of life.
By focusing on prevention strategies such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutrient-rich diet, staying active, and protecting heart health you can greatly improve your chances of keeping your brain sharp and resilient as you age.
Type 3 diabetes and Alzheimer’s may not be fully reversible, but you can take steps today to protect your brain. Ribbon Checkup empowers you to monitor vital markers from home, manage your risk factors, and stay in control of your long-term health. Stay ahead—because prevention is your best defense.
Related resources
- Understanding high glucose in urine: Causes, symptoms, and management
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Type 4 Diabetes: Understanding Age-Related Insulin Resistance
- Understanding Glucose in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
References
Booth, S. (2016, August 31). Type 3 Diabetes and Alzheimer’s: What to Know. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/alzheimers-diabetes-link
Can Diabetes Be Reversed? | Research Spotlight | UCLA Medical School. (2023, November 22). UCLA Medical School. https://medschool.ucla.edu/news-article/can-diabetes-be-reversed
de la Monte, S. M., & Wands, J. R. (2008). Alzheimer’s Disease is Type 3 Diabetes—Evidence Reviewed. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 2(6), 1101–1113. https://doi.org/10.1177/193229680800200619
Morales-Brown, P. (2021, July 30). What is type 3 diabetes? Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/type-3-diabetes
Widt, L. D. (2017, October 25). What is the link between Alzheimer’s and Type 3 diabetes? - Mayo Clinic News Network. Mayo Clinic News Network. https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/researchers-link-alzheimers-gene-to-type-iii-diabetes/
