For the normal functioning of neurons in the brain, glucose is essential. However, for glucose to enter the cell, insulin and sensitive receptors are needed. In the brain, insulin resistance develops in Alzheimer's disease: receptors stop responding to insulin signals, and neurons gradually lose the ability to absorb glucose.
This "energy starvation" leads to mitochondrial damage, accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins, and neuronal death. Essentially, brain cells slowly "starve to death," even when there is enough sugar in the blood.
Why is it called "type three diabetes"?
In classic type II diabetes, body tissues (muscles, liver, adipose tissue) do not respond to insulin. In "type three diabetes," a similar situation occurs in the brain.
There is evidence that carbohydrate metabolism disorders, metabolic syndrome, and chronically high blood sugar levels increase the risk of dementia and accelerate the development of Alzheimer's disease.
When carbohydrates are restricted and the body switches to a ketogenic diet, it begins to use ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate) formed from fats.
Ketones can penetrate the brain and provide neurons with energy without the involvement of insulin. That is, they "bypass the broken lock" of glucose metabolism and supply nutrients to cells that can no longer absorb sugar.
Research has shown that ketones improve cognitive functions, reduce the accumulation of toxic proteins, decrease inflammation in the brain, and support mitochondrial function.
Ketogenic Diet and Alzheimer's Remission
Patients on a ketogenic diet report improvements in memory, concentration, and behavior. This is not a "magical cure," but a relief from the brain's energy starvation and a slowdown in neuronal degeneration.
In combination with antioxidants, omega-3s, B vitamins (especially B1, B12, folate), and correction of insulin resistance, this offers a chance for stabilization and remission.
