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Our bodies are incredibly complex, with multiple systems working together to keep us healthy. In episode 1 of our new series exploring how type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease are connected, we explore how different chronic diseases can affect each of these systems. Understanding these connections is crucial for managing your overall health1. Remember, if you have any questions, it’s important to reach out to your healthcare professional!
When a chronic disease like diabetes puts one system under pressure, it can affect or even cause a disorder in another part of the body2. For example, obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease share similar metabolic causes; these diseases are all interconnected with interconnected risks3.
Other chronic diseases are linked in a similar way. Chronic kidney disease, also known as CKD, promotes a chronic inflammatory state in the body, which ultimately increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, also known as CVD4. In fact, CVD is one of the most common comorbidities of CKD, affecting 50% of people with advanced CKD, which can, in turn, lead to damage in other organs4. Therefore, people with CKD have a higher-than-average risk of developing CVD.
People living with obesity are also at an increased risk of developing these chronic conditions5. Obesity is defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation in the body. This excess body fat alongside chronically high blood sugar levels, can lead to inflammation. This in turn can result in organ damage, particularly in the kidneys and heart5-7.
As you can see, having one chronic condition can increase your risk of developing another4-6,8-10. That’s why looking after your overall health can make a real difference! When you take steps to manage one health condition, you’re also helping to protect your body in other ways. Your healthcare professional is there to support you on this journey and can help you keep track of your health along the way.
Chronic kidney disease occurs over time when there is persistent damage to the kidneys11. It can be caused by high blood sugar levels, which can damage the blood vessels and tubules inside the kidney6.
Type 2 diabetes is a condition where the body can’t make enough insulin or use it effectively12.
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term for conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels13. It's typically associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries and an increased risk of blood clots13.
Obesity is an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health14. A body mass index (BMI) over 30 is considered obese14.
Inflammation is a normal part of your body’s response to illness, injury or something that doesn’t belong in your body15. It helps promote healing. However, inflammation that occurs in healthy tissue, or goes on for too long, can be harmful and contribute to a range of chronic diseases15.
Comorbidities are medical conditions that coexist alongside your primary diagnosis16. You may have one or more comorbidity, and they can affect your health, including your treatment and how you manage your condition16.
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1. Bartsch RP, Liu KK, Bashan A, et al. Network Physiology: How Organ Systems Dynamically Interact. PLoS One. 2015;10:e0142143.
2. Fabbri E, An Y, Zoli M, et al. Aging and the burden of multimorbidity: associations with inflammatory and anabolic hormonal biomarkers. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2015;70:63-70.
3. Scherer PE, Hill JA. Obesity, Diabetes, and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Compendium. Circ Res. 2016;118:1703-1705.
4. Jankowski J, Floege J, Fliser D, et al. Cardiovascular Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease: Pathophysiological Insights and Therapeutic Options. Circulation. 2021;143:1157-1172.
5. Nawaz S, Chinnadurai R, Al-Chalabi S, et al. Obesity and chronic kidney disease: A current review. Obes Sci Pract. 2023;9:61-74.
6. Wu T, Ding L, Andoh V, et al. The Mechanism of Hyperglycemia-Induced Renal Cell Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy Disease: An Update. Life (Basel). 2023;13.
7. Kadatane SP, Satariano M, Massey M, et al. The Role of Inflammation in CKD. Cells. 2023;12.
8. Evans M, Lewis RD, Morgan AR, et al. A Narrative Review of Chronic Kidney Disease in Clinical Practice: Current Challenges and Future Perspectives. Adv Ther. 2022;39:33-43.
9. ElSayed NA, Aleppo G, Aroda VR, et al. 11. Chronic Kidney Disease and Risk Management: Standards of Care in Diabetes-2023. Diabetes Care. 2023;46:S191-S202.
10. Einarson TR, Acs A, Ludwig C, et al. Prevalence of cardiovascular disease in type 2 diabetes: a systematic literature review of scientific evidence from across the world in 2007-2017. Cardiovasc Diabetol. 2018;17:83.
11. Kalantar-Zadeh K, Jafar TH, Nitsch D, et al. Chronic kidney disease. Lancet. 2021;398:786-802.
12. International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas: 10th Edition, 2021. Available at: https://diabetesatlas.org/idfawp/resource-files/2021/07/IDF_Atlas_10th_Edition_2021.pdf Last accessed: January 2025.
13. World Health Organization. Cardiovascular diseases. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds). Last accessed: January 2025.
14. World Health Organization. Obesity. Available at: https://www.who.int/health-topics/obesity#tab=tab_1. Last accessed: January 2025.
15. Cleveland Clinic. Inflammation. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/21660-inflammation Last accessed: January 2025.
16. Cleveland Clinic. Comorbidities. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/comorbidities. Last accessed: January 2025.
