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About the interconnectivity of organ systems

 

Transforming the way we talk about interconnected conditions

'Our organs don't work in silo. The relationships between them mean our entire human body is interconnected.'

The content and resources on this site have been developed to help broaden your knowledge on the important connections between type 2 diabetes and conditions of the heart and kidneys. We want to empower you to have informed conversations with your loved ones and healthcare professionals.

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What is the link between type 2 diabetes, the heart and the kidneys, and how does it affect the body?

Type 2 diabetes, the heart and the kidneys have an important connection as they have the potential to both positively and negatively impact each other.1 They are linked to one another through blood flow, hormones and the central nervous system.

  • The pancreas produces enzymes and hormones which help break down the food we eat and regulate blood sugar levels. Type 2 diabetes, which is mainly caused by pancreatic dysfunction and insulin resistance, affects how the kidneys filter blood and blood pressure, and therefore the health of the cardiovascular system.2
  • The heart pumps blood throughout the body to all organs, including the pancreas and kidneys. If the flow of blood to the organs is reduced, they will not be able to function as they should.3
  • The kidneys filter the blood and remove any waste or toxins that may be present. If they are unable to do this correctly, blood pressure in the body can increase, impacting the health of the other organs.4,5

The interconnectivity between these organs means that when a person experiences disease in one of these areas, it increases the chances of one or all the other systems being affected. This can result in worsening of the disease overall.4,6 

This also means that when improvements are made in one area through lifestyle changes and appropriate care, positive improvements are likely to be seen in other organs and systems.4,6   

By taking actions such as healthy eating, moving more, taking medication and not smoking, it is possible to reduce the risk of further damage and to prevent or delay organs from getting worse.7,8,9

Interconnectivity

Did you know?

T2D

At least one in three people with heart failure have type 2 diabetes10

CVD

At least one in three people with chronic kidney disease have cardiovascular disease11

CKD

At least one in three people with heart failure have chronic kidney disease12

What can be done about it?

When addressing the challenges that link diabetes and conditions of the heart and kidneys, achieving balanced health across all is key. Looking at the bigger picture of how each system interconnects is fundamental to treatment.

Life shouldn’t be put on hold. Through careful management and lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, it can be possible to lead a normal and happy life. By taking care of yourself and improving lifestyle through diet and exercise, you can reduce complications and improve your overall wellbeing.

Appropriate steps include:

Understanding

Understanding

your disease/s and how to manage them, considering treatment as well as lifestyle.

Having

Having

informed conversations with your doctor(s) about the care that is most appropriate for you.

Making

Making

changes to your lifestyle (e.g., more activity or a healthier diet), which could make significant improvements to your overall health.

Where can I find support to help me stay on track?

It is important to acknowledge that there may be some mental and emotional health challenges following diagnosis of conditions of the heart and kidneys or a diabetes diagnosis.13 Therefore, it is important to reach out for support if you need it. There are various support groups and online communities that can help to support you, both physically and mentally. Speak to your doctor or healthcare team about what resources are available to you. 

You might also find it helpful to speak to close friends or loved ones to help you to wrap your head around things. At the very least, sharing with someone close to you can help lighten the load. 

Talking to your doctor and healthcare team regularly is vital to managing your condition and supporting your overall health. Your doctor may suggest simple changes to lifestyle, such as healthier eating and doing more regular exercise, to help improve your health and reduce your risk of further complications.

Where can I find support to help me stay on track?
References

  1. Sarafidis P., et al. SGLT-2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists for nephroprotection and cardioprotection in patients with diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease. A consensus statement by the EURECA-m and the DIABESITY working groups of the ERA-EDTA. Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2019;1;34(2):208-30.

  2. Pecoits-Filho R., et al. Interactions between kidney disease and diabetes: dangerous liaisons. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2016;8(50).

  3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Heart Disease and Kidney Disease. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/heart-disease (Last accessed: June 2021).

  4. Rogers K. Kidneys and the Renal System. Britannica Educational Pub. 2012:29-30. 

  5. García-Donaire JA., et al. Cardiovascular and Renal Links along the Cardiorenal Continuum. Int J Nephrol. 2011;975782.

  6. Thomas G., et al. Metabolic syndrome and kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011;6(10):2364–73.

  7. Rippe JM. Lifestyle Strategies for Risk Factor Reduction, Prevention, and Treatment of Cardiovascular Disease. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2019;13(2):204-12.

  8. Luyckx VA. Reducing major risk factors for chronic kidney disease. Kidney Int Suppl. 2017;7(2):71-87.

  9. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. Diabetes Care. 2021;44(Suppl.1):S1–S2.

  10. Thomas MC., et al. Type 2 Diabetes and Heart Failure: Challenges and Solutions. Curr Cardiol Rev. 2016;12:249.

  11. Lovre D., et al. Managing Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 2018;47(1):237-57.

  12. Ahmed A., et al. Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in heart failure. Heart Fail Clin. 2008;4(4):387-99

  13. Hare DL., et al. Depression and Cardiovascular Disease: A Clinical Review. European Heart Journal. 2014;35(21):1365-72

Jobcode: PC-CRP-102667

Date of preparation: September 2021.