Type 3 Diabetes Mellitus is somewhat different from type 1 and type 2 diabetes. All three suffer from issues with insulin, but while type 1 diabetics are insulin dependent, and type 2 diabetics are insulin resistant, type 3 diabetics are a hybrid of both conditions. In addition, the origination of diabetes type 3 is not the pancreas, as in the other two types.
A few years ago, researchers discovered that the body produces insulin in the pancreas and in the brain. In type 3 diabetes, the pancreas and respective insulin in the body is not impaired. The insulin in the brain is what is defective. Either the brain stops making adequate insulin or it sends signals to cell receptors instructing them not to accept the available insulin.
When the brain cells do not receive vital insulin, a protein called amyloid plaque is formed on the receptors. The cells will be unable to function and will eventually die. These cells are responsible for all aspects of one’s memory. Loss of this function can rob a person of their short-term or long-term memory and leaves them unable to form new memories, similar as in Alzheimer’s disease.
Symptoms of Type 3 Diabetes
As diabetes mellitus type 3 is considered a degenerative disease, the symptoms may go unnoticed until a person is in an advanced stage of life. Even then, sufferers may attribute the warning signs to the aging process instead of disease. In this case, it may be too late to reverse the disease, but it may be possible to manage it. Knowing what the symptoms of type 3 diabetes are will help reach a diagnosis and possibly control the disease.
The few signs of diabetes type 3 include confusion, memory loss, and dementia. All of these symptoms affect a person’s mind and when present for extended periods, individuals should consider them serious. Feeling disoriented for one day or two weeks may indicate a separate problem. At any rate, a medical professional should always monitor all medical irregularities.
Type 3 Diabetes Treatment
As scientists have only discovered the existence of this disease in the last twelve years, medical professionals are unable to offer medications to treat it. Some researchers have acknowledged a link between type 3 diabetes mellitus and Alzheimer’s disease and it is possible that oral medications will mimic those used to treat this degenerative disease. Scientists are conducting clinical trials in hopes of producing oral medications that may defend against this disease.
In the meantime, it is best to try natural methods to control blood glucose levels. As with other types of diabetes, patients should implement lifestyle changes. Eating a balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and cholesterol, but high in fiber is the best medicine. Also getting plenty of exercise will help keep these levels in check.