Tag: diabetes prevention

The Connection Between Diabetes and Cancer

How Are Diabetes and Cancer Connected?

The connection between diabetes and cancer, Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels. However, it’s not just a metabolic disease—it has been shown to increase the risk of developing certain cancers. Particularly, type 2 diabetes is associated with an elevated risk of liver, pancreatic, colorectal, breast, and endometrial cancers.

1. Why Does Diabetes Increase Cancer Risk?

  1. High Blood Sugar and Insulin Resistance
    Chronic high blood sugar can promote abnormal cell growth. Insulin resistance leads to excessive insulin production, which elevates the levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), a compound that supports the growth of cancer cells.
  2. Chronic Inflammation
    Diabetes is associated with a state of chronic inflammation, which is a known contributor to cancer development.
  3. Weight Gain and Obesity
    Obesity is a common condition among type 2 diabetes patients and is a major risk factor for cancer.

2. Types of Cancer Linked to Diabetes

  • Liver Cancer: Caused by metabolic dysfunction and inflammation.
  • Pancreatic Cancer: Closely associated with insulin resistance.
  • Colorectal Cancer: Metabolic imbalances and weight gain play a significant role.
  • Breast Cancer: Postmenopausal women are at higher risk.
  • Endometrial Cancer: Triggered by obesity and high blood sugar levels.

3. How to Prevent Cancer Through Diabetes Management

  • Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels
    Regular blood sugar management reduces cell damage and lowers cancer risk.
  • Weight Management
    Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight improves metabolic health and reduces cancer risk.
  • Adopt a Healthy Diet
    A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides anti-cancer benefits.
  • Exercise Regularly
    Physical activity reduces inflammation and enhances overall health.
  • Get Regular Cancer Screenings
    Early detection is vital, especially for those in high-risk groups.

4. The connection between diabetes and cancer, Conclusion

Understanding the connection between diabetes and cancer is crucial for proactive health management. While having diabetes doesn’t guarantee the development of cancer, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and undergoing regular checkups can significantly reduce your risk.

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Preventing Hair Loss During Intermittent Fasting

Finerenone is a Key Medication for Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetes and Kidney Health

People with diabetes are at a high risk of developing kidney disease in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor kidney function regularly. One effective way to do this is by checking urinary protein levels. Among these, urinary albumin (also called albuminuria) is particularly important. Individuals with diabetes should undergo a urine test annually to check for urinary albumin.

Reducing urinary protein (proteinuria) can help slow the progression of kidney damage. One of the medications proven to achieve this is finerenone, which I will introduce in detail.

What Is Finerenone?

Finerenone is a non-steroidal selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist (MRA). It works by preventing the overactivation of mineralocorticoid receptors in the heart and kidneys, which directly reduces inflammation and fibrosis in the kidneys.

How Does Finerenone Work?

In the diagram below, the left section shows how aldosterone binds to mineralocorticoid receptors (MR), causing inflammation and fibrosis in the kidney. Finerenone instead binds to these receptors, effectively blocking the harmful pathway.

Results from Phase III Clinical Studies

Recent Phase III studies focused on the effects of finerenone in patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease. A retrospective analysis of a double-blind study confirmed:

  • Health benefits associated with reduced urinary albumin within 4 months of starting finerenone.
  • Effects on kidney function and cardiovascular health over a maximum of 4 years.

Key Findings:

  • A 30% or greater reduction in urinary albumin led to:
    • 64% lower risk of kidney disease progression.
    • 26% lower risk of cardiovascular events and mortality.

Comparative Results: Finerenone vs Placebo

The graph below demonstrates the superior efficacy of finerenone in reducing proteinuria compared to a placebo:

  • Figure B: The line at log 0.7 = -0.36 represents a 30% or greater reduction in urinary albumin. Finerenone clearly showed a more significant effect.
  • Figure C: Focuses on kidney disease progression.
  • Figure D: Highlights cardiovascular outcomes.

When urinary albumin decreased by more than 30%, there was a clear reduction in kidney function decline and cardiovascular events.

Proportion Mediated Method Results

The table below evaluates finerenone’s effects using the proportion mediated method. This method calculates the proportion of the treatment effect achieved relative to its expected effect.

  • Kidney effects: 84% efficacy.
  • Cardiovascular effects: 37% efficacy.

Conclusion

Finerenone is a promising treatment for diabetic kidney disease, showing clear benefits in reducing urinary albumin, slowing kidney disease progression, and lowering cardiovascular risks. Regular urine testing and effective treatments like finerenone can play a crucial role in managing diabetes and protecting kidney health.

Reference: Ann Intern Med. doi:10.7326/M23-1023

chronic kidney disease (CKD) and atrial fibrillation (AF)