A new form of Diabetes is emerging. It's called Type III Diabetes and rivals Type I and Type II Diabetes. As you may already know, Diabetes develops as a result of the body’s inability to control blood sugar levels with insulin. However, after observing the effects of Diabetes on the brain, researchers have come to the conclusion that Alzheimer's Disease may in fact be a third form of Diabetes.

An explanation of Type I and Type II Diabetes

• Type I Diabetes (also known as Juvenile Diabetes)

This is the form of Diabetes that often develops when you are young. Individuals with Type I Diabetes are insulin-deficient because their immune system attacks and destroys the cells of the pancreas that make insulin, so making it necessary to supply the insulin artificially – usually by injection. Type I diabetics represent 10% of all diagnosed diabetics.

• Type II Diabetes (also known as Adult Onset Diabetes)

This is the form of Diabetes that people develop usually later in life. Individuals with Type II Diabetes are considered insulin-resistant because they either do not produce enough insulin or their body does not respond to insulin. Type II Diabetes is becoming more and more common, especially in young people. The increase in the incidence of Type II Diabetes across the world can be attributed to poor eating habits and lack of exercise. As a result, obese individuals are at great risk of developing Type II Diabetes.

Insulin Resistance is hazardous to your entire body

Under healthy conditions, insulin helps your body extract glucose, or sugar, from your blood for energy use. But insulin can only do so much.When the amount of sugar you consume exceeds the amount of sugar you burn as energy then your body stores the excess sugar in two forms—glycogen and fat. The glycogen form is not so bad because your body taps into that glycogen storage when your blood sugar is low (i.e. during periods in between meals). On the other hand, since your body does not readily get sugar from fat, the fat form of sugar storage can become an issue and lead to serious medical conditions such as obesity. Thus, insulin resistance makes it possible for sugar to remain in your blood longer and reach high levels, which is really hazardous and can lead to Type 11 and Type 111 Diabetes

So, what is Type III Diabetes?

In 2005, scientists realized that no one had considered the effects of insulin resistance on brain cells, also called neurons. As it turns out, neurons rely on insulin to support their function and overall health. Without insulin, neurons cannot change and they become weak. Therefore, insulin-resistant neurons compromise the brain’s ability to form memories, understand information, and learn new things, which are all signs of dementia. This is why Alzheimer’s Disease has been connected to Diabetes. The roots of both diseases appear to lie in insulin resistance.

How to prevent all forms of Diabetes

Unfortunately, Type I Diabetes is usually a genetic condition that cannot be prevented if it is pre-written in your genes. But you can definitely lower your risk of developing Type II Diabetes and Type III Diabetes/Alzheimer’s Disease. While obesity and Diabetes increase your risk of getting Alzheimer’s Disease, exercising regularly, watching how much sugar you consume, and maintaining a healthy diet are the best ways to prevent Diabetes. Be sure to ‘Ask a Naturopath’ about more ways to reduce your risk as well as the many seemingly innocent foods that contribute to raising your blood sugar levels.

Mr Vitamins research and further references:

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/25/bittman-is-alzheimers-type-3-Diabetes/?nl=opinion&emc=edit_ty_20120926 http://www.naturalnews.com/037305_type-3_Diabetes_blood_sugar_risk.html