Chapter 1: What is Diabetes?

The mention of "Type 4 diabetes" might raise eyebrows, and understandably so. This article aims to shed light on this newly proposed classification of diabetes. To begin with, let’s review the existing types.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes, which constitutes over 90% of diagnosed cases, is primarily associated with sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices. Excessive sugar intake can lead to high insulin production, which, over time, diminishes the hormone's effectiveness in regulating blood sugar levels.

Although less commonly discussed, Type 3 diabetes is a contentious classification. It is suggested that elevated blood sugar levels, due to insulin resistance, may be linked to increased amyloid proteins. These proteins can accumulate between nerve cells in the brain, impeding communication and potentially contributing to Alzheimer’s disease.

Chapter 2: The Emergence of Type 4 Diabetes

Now, let’s turn our attention to the focal point of this discussion—Type 4 diabetes. Like Types 3 and 4, this classification is not widely recognized, which adds to the intrigue.

Research indicates that older adults often experience higher levels of glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. However, it’s crucial to note that correlation does not equate to causation.

As we've seen with Type 2 diabetes, lifestyle factors such as inactivity can significantly influence insulin resistance. This leads to the question: could Type 4 diabetes also stem from poor lifestyle choices rather than just aging? Aging does not automatically mean unhealthy habits; even older individuals can struggle with diet and obesity.

Interestingly, some studies suggest that individuals identified as having Type 4 diabetes may not necessarily fall into the obese or overweight categories. This contradiction highlights the need for further investigation to clarify the existence and characteristics of Type 4 diabetes.

Types 3 and 4 are not yet widely accepted within the medical community, emphasizing the necessity for more research to understand these classifications better.

The first video titled "Types of Diabetes Explained: Beyond Type 1 and Type 2" features Dr. Edelman and Dr. Pettus discussing the various forms of diabetes and their implications.

The second video titled "The Underlying Causes of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes and Their Potential for Reversal" delves into the root causes of these diabetes types and explores potential avenues for their reversal.

References:

Muller, D. C., Elahi, D., Tobin, J. D., & Andres, R. (1996). The effect of age on insulin resistance and secretion: A review. Seminars in Nephrology, 16(4), 289–298. PMID: 8829267