Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (2024)

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (1)

What is type 3 diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus (also called DM or diabetes for short) refers to a health condition where your body has difficulty converting sugar to energy. Typically, we think of three kinds of diabetes:

  • Type 1 diabetes (T1DM) is a chronic health condition in which your body’s endocrine part of the pancreas does not produce enough of the hormone insulin, and your blood sugar (glucose) level becomes too high.
  • Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) is a chronic condition in which your body develops resistance to insulin, and your blood sugar level becomes too high as a result.
  • Gestational diabetes (GDM) is DM that occurs during a pregnancy, and the blood sugar level is too high during this time.

Some research studies have proposed that Alzheimer’s disease should also be classified as a type of diabetes, called type 3 diabetes. Type 3 diabetes is known as the "other" category. The Type 3 category is divided into 8 sub-categories that include countless disorders such as specific known genetic mutations, rare genetic syndromes, multiple different pancreatic diseases, other hormonal disorders, toxin and drug effects, infections, and other autoimmune diseases.

This “type 3 diabetes” is a term that has been put forward to describe the hypothesis that Alzheimer’s disease, which is a major cause of dementia, is triggered by a type of insulin resistance and insulin-like growth factor dysfunction that occurs specifically in the brain.

This condition also has been used by some to describe people who have type 2 diabetes and are also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease dementia. Now, having said all of the above, it should be noted that the classification of type 3 diabetes is highly controversial, and it is not yet widely accepted by the medical community as a clinical diagnosis. If you have more questions, please make an appointment with us at Palmetto Endocrinology to discuss your concerns.

The link between diabetes and Alzheimer’s

According to the Mayo Clinic, there’s already an established link between Alzheimer’s and type 2 diabetes. It has been suggested that Alzheimer’s may be triggered by insulin resistance in your brain. Some people say that Alzheimer’s is simply “diabetes in your brain.” This claim has some science behind it, but it’s a bit of an oversimplification.

Over time, untreated diabetes can cause damage to your blood vessels, including vessels in your brain. Many people who have type 2 diabetes do not know that they have the condition, which may delay diagnosis and appropriate treatment measures.

Therefore, those with type 2 diabetes, especially undiagnosed diabetes, have a higher risk of this kind of damage. Diabetes may also cause chemical imbalances in your brain, which maytrigger 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.

The science of this process is uncertain. For now, what has been established is that there are cases of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia that do not have any demonstrated link to insulin resistance.

Causes and risk factors for type 3 diabetes

According to a 2016 study, people who have type 2 diabetes may be up to 60 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, such as vascular dementia. This study, conducted by Trusted Source involved more than 100,000 people living with dementia. It showed that women with type 2 diabetes had a higher probability of developing vascular dementia than men. Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include: a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), being overweight or obese and certain chronic health conditions, such as depression and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Symptoms of type 3 diabetes

The symptoms of type 3 diabetes are described as the symptoms of dementia, such as those seen in early Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, these symptoms include: memory loss that affects daily living and social interactions, difficulty completing familiar tasks, misplacing things often, decreased ability to make judgements based on information, sudden changes in personality or demeanor.

Diagnosis of type 3 diabetes

There is no specific test for type 3 diabetes. Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed based on: a neurological examination, medical history, and neurophysiological testing. Your primary care provider will ask several questions about your family history and your symptoms. If he or she thinks that type 3 diabetes may be a possibility, they will refer you to Palmetto Endocrinology and or neurology for further testing.

If you have symptoms of type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s and haven’t been diagnosed with either one, your healthcare provider may order a fasting blood sugar test and a glycated hemoglobin test.

If you do have type 2 diabetes, it is important that you begin treatment for it immediately. Treating type 2 diabetes could minimize damage to your body, including your brain, and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Treatment for type 3 diabetes

There are separate treatment options for people who have: pre-type 2 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Lifestyle changes, such as making changes to your diet and including exercise in your daily routine, may be a big part of your treatment.

Here are some additional treatment tips: If you’re overweight, try to lose 5 to 7 percent of your body mass, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can help stop organ damage caused by high blood sugar and may prevent the progression of pre-DM2 to DM2.

A diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables can help improve symptoms.

If you smoke, quitting is recommended because it can also help manage your condition.

If you have both type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s, treatment for your type 2 diabetes is important to help slow the progression of dementia.

Prescription medications are available to treat cognitive symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia, but there’s uncertainty about whether they have a noticeable impact on the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

Outlook for type 3 diabetes

Type 3 diabetes is a way of describing Alzheimer’s that is caused by insulin resistance inside the brain. So, your outlook will vary according to several factors, including your diabetes treatment and the severity of your dementia.

If you can treat your diabetes with diet, exercise, and medication, researchers who promote the diagnosis of type 3 diabetes suggest that you may be able to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia, but evidence is uncertain.

Your outlook will also vary according to how soon your symptoms were discovered and what your healthcare provider thinks about your specific case. The sooner treatment begins, it is likely the better your outlook will be. Please make an appointment with us at Palmetto Endocrinology if you have further questions.

Author

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (2) Joseph Mathews, MD, FACP, FACE, ECNU, CCD Joseph W. Mathews M.D., a board certified Endocrinologist and Medical Director of Palmetto Endocrinology, was born and raised in South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology from the College of Charleston, Cum Laude. He then achieved his M.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina where he also completed his residency in Internal Medicine and a Fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism.Dr. Mathews is also a Fellow of both the American College of Endocrinology and the American College of Physicians, holds an Endocrine Certification in Neck Ultrasound (ECNU) and is a Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD). He has extensive experience performing ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsies. His practice includes a range of specializations including prescribing and fitting patients with insulin pumps.Dr. Mathews' practice has drawn patients from out of state to benefit from his expertise in thyroid disorders, diabetes, cortisol problems and their Endocrine disorders.

Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Specialists (2024)

FAQs

Why is it so hard to see an endocrinologist? ›

The reasons for this national shortage of diabetes specialists are manifold: Endocrinologists receive the lowest compensation of all internal medicine (IM) specialties — lower even than practicing general internists — and 76–89% of medical students graduate with astronomical debt.

Does an endocrinologist treat thyroid and diabetes? ›

Endocrinology is a specialty that offers advanced training in the endocrine system, which includes various glands and organs that secrete hormones such as the thyroid, pancreas (diabetes), testes, and adrenal glands, among others. Endocrinologists also commonly treat osteoporosis.

What is the most common disease treated by an endocrinologist? ›

The most common diseases treated by an endocrinologist include diabetes mellitus type 1 and type 2, Thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and goiter.

What is the difference between endocrinologist and diabetes specialist? ›

In summary, while both diabetologists and endocrinologists treat diabetes, diabetologists focus on the management of diabetes and its complications, while endocrinologists focus on the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal imbalances and other endocrine-related conditions.

Why does an endocrinologist look at your hands? ›

"It used to be common for doctors to look at the hands for important clues to overall health," says endocrinologist Kenneth Blanchard. “Hands can tell you a great deal about circulation, hormones, and thyroid function."

What are the four major endocrine conditions? ›

Adrenal insufficiency. Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism. Cushing's disease. Gigantism (acromegaly) and other growth hormone problems.

What is the best doctor to see for thyroid problems? ›

Many primary care physicians can diagnose and treat mild hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and thyroiditis. However, when symptoms are severe and do not improve on their own within a few months, you should be assessed by an endocrinologist.

Do diabetes and thyroid problems go together? ›

Research suggests a close association between the autoimmune response that causes type 1 diabetes and autoimmune-induced thyroid dysfunction (AITD). An estimated 17–30% of adults with type 1 diabetes also have AITD. Additionally, 25% of children with type 1 diabetes have autoimmune hypothyroidism.

What is considered a dangerously high TSH level? ›

The TSH test is usually done twice just to be sure. There is some disagreement among experts regarding which TSH levels should be considered too high. Some say that TSH levels of over 2.5 milliunits per liter (mU/L) are abnormal, while others only consider TSH levels above 4 to 5 mU/L to be too high.

What is a full endocrine workup? ›

An endocrinology function test is used to determine if you have a hormone problem. The test will either start (stimulate) or stop (suppress) your production of certain hormones so that your doctor can see how your body responds. This helps your doctor make the correct diagnosis for you.

What is the most common female endocrine disorder? ›

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrinopathy among women of reproductive age, impacting 5-10% of premenopausal American women.

What will an endocrinologist do on a first visit? ›

The endocrinologist will take a detailed medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, and review any previous test results. This process aids in understanding your overall health status and the nature of your endocrine-related concerns.

When should diabetics see an endocrinologist? ›

Seeing an Endocrinologist for Diabetes

Your regular doctor can treat diabetes, but they might refer you to an endocrinologist when: You've just been diagnosed with diabetes and need to learn how to manage it. They don't have a lot of experience treating diabetes. You take a lot of shots or use an insulin pump.

What is the best doctor to see for diabetes? ›

Endocrinologist: This doctor (MD or DO) specializes in diabetes and other diseases of the endocrine system (the system that produces hormones such as insulin).

When should a woman see an endocrinologist? ›

For instance, if you're pregnant or looking to start a family and have a thyroid disorder, you may need to see an endocrinologist. Other reasons to get follow-up care from an endocrinologist can include developing a goiter or enlarged thyroid gland, a thyroid nodule, or symptoms of a pituitary gland disorder.

Why does it take so long to get into an endocrinologist? ›

The shortage of US endocrinologists was first identified in 2003, but it remains a significant challenge for physicians and patients today. Physicians must see more patients in less time, and new patients may wait months to see an endocrinologist.

Why is there an endocrinologist shortage? ›

There is an alarming shortage of U.S. medical students choosing to enter the field of endocrinology, a situation exacerbated by the declining number of practicing endocrinologists in the United States to treat a rapidly growing number of people with endocrine-related diseases.

At what point should you see an endocrinologist? ›

Patients should share any abnormalities with their PCP as soon as possible. The PCP can run a battery of tests to analyze a patient's glucose, thyroid function tests, testosterone, estrogen and other hormones. If the results fall outside of the normal range, patients can be referred to an endocrinologist.

Is it worth seeing an endocrinologist? ›

Hormone imbalances can impact your daily life, but an endocrinologist can help you manage the imbalances to improve your quality of life. “There are several hormone-secreting organs in our bodies,” explains Mini Sara Cherian, MD, a RUSH Copley endocrinologist.

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