Latest news with #CKM
Daily Maverick
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Maverick
Letter to Mahlamba Ndlopfu: How do Comrades, guilty as sin, walk away scot-free?
Ah, Chief Dwasaho! My old, battered companion, brain fog, is back, swirling around my head like a man suffering from hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). I blame it on Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM), a toxic ménage à trois of diseases waiting to dispatch us to our early graves. And who's the main culprit behind this sinister syndicate? None other than our number one killer: type 2 diabetes (T2D). So, say the clever black folks and the colonial types who gathered under the bright lights of the Novo Nordisk CKM Africa Summit 2025, which wrapped up in Cape Town this past weekend. Comas, hearts and Coke Yes, Comrade Leadership, writing about that lot is enough to drive even a well-lubricated mind into a hyperglycemic coma. Once upon a time, these things would send me straight to the local beer hole, where a cold quart could cure many ills, except my T2D. The scientists at that gig insisted 'genetics and biology dictate weight gain', not how much we eat. We can't diet ourselves out of obesity or run marathons to reverse the biology of weight gain; the minute you stop, your old friend will be back in a jiffy. I'm afraid, my leader. Very afraid. I was right in the thick of fiery debates about the lethal tango between T2D and cardiovascular disease, or CVD. That's when your heart and blood vessels start crying like kidneys trying to filter a litre of Coke. Let's not forget their other shady cousins: chronic kidney disease and obesity. Together, they're a sugar-laden conspiracy plotting a silent coup in our bodies. It holds dual memberships like Floyd Shivambu and the MK-Mayibuye combo. The verdict on the 'Gupta Four' Then, the news broke that the ANC's National Disciplinary Committee — the NDC — (what discipline?) had finally delivered its verdict in the matter of the ANC vs State Capture Quartet. Quartet, as in four, my leader: Malusi Gigaba, Zizi Kodwa, David Mahlobo and Cedric Frolick. Once upon a time, the infamous 'Gupta Four' ran this country like a family spaza shop, allegedly. Although, to be fair, decent folks run spaza shops without the help of expanding waistlines, a sure sign, if ever there was one, of a cooked tender or two. And the verdict? Not guilty. I repeat for the Comrades whose sugar levels might be dipping: not guilty. For the ones at the back munching vetkoek: not guilty. Justice or just a sugar rush? My sugar levels spiked as if I'd devoured a box of koeksisters, washed them down with Fanta Grape, and followed it with a stack of pancakes. It felt like the apocalypse. How do Comrades, guilty as sin, walk away scot-free? It's like a diabetic insisting, 'I'm fine,' while clutching a pharmacy's worth of chronic meds, insulin included. No, my brother, you're sick. And the condition will never be reversed, just like the acquittal of these Comrades accused of dragging the glorious movement through the mud. The charges state that the 'Gupta Four' brought the party into 'disrepute' through 'unethical or immoral conduct'. Can you believe it? Unethical and immoral? Disrepute? Zondo, directories and weighty matters Interestingly, the charges don't even stem directly from the critical volumes of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture (Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State: Report [2022], vol 3, Part 4), but rather from failure to appear before the ANC's 'Integrity Commission'. Integrity? Judge Zondo's reports that are thicker than the now-defunct Telkom phone directory and heavier than a diabetic's sugar guilt after a festive-season pleasure-eating binge have no force or effect on the ANC's reputation. Perhaps that explains why others 'implicated' in the R1-billion State Capture Commission weren't summoned before the NDC. Uncle Gwezzy 'Tiger' Mantashe, anyone? I mention him deliberately because he'll take it on the chin, laugh, and move on. Yet, despite this mountain of evidence, the ANC's own disciplinary body declared the so-called State Capture Kingpins as innocent as altar boys. Gigaba was once an altar boy, wasn't he? The secret to ANC acquittals Guess why? Because criminal misdemeanours in the ANC are prescribed, like bad debts, my leader. These Comrades, says one of their own, should have been brought to heel within six months. Thus, they were all cleared faster than the click of the insulin pen. I hear you saying it was on technical grounds. Really now? I'm tired of stating the obvious: the same Comrades before the NDC made the rules about who must appear before it, when, and on what grounds. Get it? The rule of law, or the rule of loopholes? Make the rules, break them, and boom — create a loophole in advance. The 'Gupta Four' should be considered for the Nobel Prize in the Law of Evidence. What evidence? It's enough to send a man of advanced age like me with one foot in the grave sprinting (pun intended) for the nearest shebeen, mumbling over his cane spirit about whether justice, much like tenders, comes with a negotiable price tag. Of mothers and sons My leader, the acquittal of the Comrades reminds me of my mom (may her soul continue to rest in peace). She used to defend me with one line: Give me a list of witnesses, insisting icala lithethwa ngofakazi — a case stands or falls on witnesses. I wasn't a fly on the wall at the NDC hall or the Gupta compound, but I still shudder to think who the witnesses to the State Capture project might be and who among them would stick out like a cut-off diabetic thumb and do what? Snitch on the Comrades before the NDC? Don't the English, those forefathers of civilisation, say 'snitches get stitches'? My leader, a part of my brain cannot grasp the concept of the rule of law. Much like uBaba (Jacob Zuma) himself, I've come to believe our Constitution is little more than 'Roman-Dutch' law or, as Lindiwe Sisulu so colourfully puts it, 'full of liberal concoction'. Reputation: Fact or fiction? You've got to admire the boldness of the aristocrats of the National Democratic Revolution. Why would anyone accused of bringing the ANC into 'disrepute' ever lose their case? I always maintain (though I must confess I failed law, so please, this is not legal advice) that before anyone dares accuse me of tarnishing the ANC's good name, they ought first to step into the witness box and prove, beyond doubt and to the satisfaction of all and sundry, that the glorious movement still possesses a 'reputation' to speak of. My leader, someone whose name eludes me, once declared: 'Today, the ANC and its leaders stand accused of corruption. The ANC may not stand alone in the dock, but it does stand as Accused No 1.' I arrest (sic) my case. Of daughters and their fathers Last week, the pride and joy of the Mncube clan, my last-born daughter, was home, all the way from the Republic of the Western Cape, gracing us with her presence. For reasons unrelated to the 'Gupta Four,' I confessed to her that something was gnawing at me worse than a low-sugar episode. Quite out of the blue, I asked how people go to bed as ANC members and then wake up the next morning, 'no longer ANC members'. She looked at me with worry, glinting in her eyes. And she offered me a feeble smile, attempting to mask the gravity of what I'd just revealed. After a pause, she gently asked, 'Are you considering it?' I somewhat theatrically retorted, 'I said what I said: How does one simply go to bed and wake up no longer part of the ANC, in any shape or form? Is it even possible?' Her mother entered the room, prompting me to change the subject. I have no desire to be accused of selling off the family silver. My wife is all I have, literally. Perhaps I'm chasing a mirage. Or maybe I'm truly haunted by the echo of the ANC Struggle songs, especially the refrain that torments my conscience: Ubani oyofakaza ngawe uma ushiya uKhongolose … Who, indeed, would testify for me if I left the ANC at my funeral? Till next year, my man. Send me to Loothuli House for my hearing. DM
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What Women Should Know About Their Heart, Kidney and Metabolic Health
MISSION, Kan., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features) Some women may be unaware they're living with risks for heart disease, kidney disease and metabolic conditions like diabetes, which drive risk for cardiovascular disease. The interplay among these conditions is called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, according to the scientific experts at the American Heart Association. Consider these facts women should know about CKM syndrome. Cardiovascular Disease is the No. 1 Killer of WomenCardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes heart disease and stroke, affects nearly 45% of women ages 20 and older, and 1 in 3 women will die from it, according to the association. "Despite heart disease being the leading cause of death for women, most women are not aware of their risk for heart disease," said Sadiya S. Khan, M.D., FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer and a member of the science advisory group for the association's CKM Health Initiative, supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim and champion sponsor DaVita. Women may develop heart disease differently than men and experience symptoms uncommon in men. Women are more likely to have blockage in smaller blood vessels around the heart and, while chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom, women are more likely than men to experience pain in the arms, jaw and neck, too. Early Action is KeyAccording to a study presented at an American Heart Association scientific conference, women with either Type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease are predicted to reach elevated risk for CVD 8-9 years earlier than women with neither condition while women with both conditions may reach high risk 26 years earlier. Risk Factors are ConnectedThe health factors that comprise CKM syndrome are connected. They include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, excess weight, high blood glucose sugar and low kidney function. If something goes wrong in one area, it affects others. "Knowing your health numbers is critical to optimize your CKM health and prioritize prevention of heart, kidney and metabolic disease," said Khan, who is also the Magerstadt professor of cardiovascular epidemiology and an associate professor of cardiology and preventive medicine at Northwestern School of Medicine. Since high blood pressure and early stages of kidney disease and diabetes often don't have symptoms, regular screening is necessary to be aware of your risk. Pregnancy and Menopause Affect Women's CKM Health Each pregnancy is a window into later heart and kidney health, according to Janani Rangaswami, M.D., FAHA, professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and co-chair of the scientific advisory group for the American Heart Association's presidential advisory that defined CKM syndrome. Pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension are risk factors for future chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease, Rangaswami said. Changes during menopause also influence long-term heart and metabolic health. This includes declining estrogen levels, increased body fat around the organs, increased cholesterol levels and stiffening or weakening of blood vessels, per the American Heart Association. Early menopause (before age 45) is linked to a higher risk for kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and CVD. "Women can mitigate those risks by getting appropriate treatment for their menopause symptoms," Rangaswami said. Social Factors Affect Women's HealthNegative economic, environmental and psychosocial factors are associated with lower levels of preventive health behaviors like physical activity and healthy eating and higher levels of conditions like obesity and diabetes. Some factors affect women differently than men. For example, marriage is associated with worse health for women, and women are more likely than men to delay medical care because of costs, according to an American Heart Association scientific statement. Women are also more likely to have their health concerns dismissed, Khan said. Women should know their risk and self-advocacy is critical. They should request thorough screenings that assess heart, kidney and metabolic health at visits with their health care providers. Visit to learn more. Michael Frenchmfrench@ About Family Features Editorial SyndicateA leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at and View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Must-know facts for women about heart, kidney and metabolic health
(NewMediaWire) - May 12, 2025 - DALLAS Millions of women may be unknowingly living with risk factors for heart, kidney and metabolic disease interconnected conditions that together drive risk for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death among women, according to experts with the American Heart Association, a global force changing the future of health for all. The interplay of heart, kidney and metabolic health is called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) health. CKM health factors include blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, blood glucose (sugar) and kidney function. These factors are connected, so if something goes wrong in one area, it affects the others and can lead to CKM syndrome, which is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association's new CKM health initiative, supported by founding sponsors Novo Nordisk and Boehringer Ingelheim and champion sponsor DaVita, aims to increase awareness of the interconnectivity among heart, kidney and metabolic conditions and improve treatment for CKM syndrome. Below are five things women should know about their CKM health. 1. Know your greatest health risk. Nearly 45% of women ages 20 and older are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, and 1 in 3 women will die from it.[1] "Despite heart disease being the leading cause of death for women, most are not aware of their risk of heart disease," said Sadiya S. Khan, M.D., FAHA, American Heart Association volunteer and Magerstadt professor of cardiovascular epidemiology, and an associate professor of cardiology and preventive medicine at Northwestern School of Medicine in Chicago. Women may develop heart disease differently from men and experience symptoms that are uncommon in men. Women are more likely to have blockage in smaller blood vessels around the heart, and while chest pain is the most common heart attack symptom, women are more likely than men to experience pain in the arms, jaw, and neck, too. 2. Take action early. When risk factors happen in multiples, heart risk escalates. Women with either Type 2 diabetes or chronic kidney disease are predicted to reach elevated risk for cardiovascular disease 8-9 years earlier than those without either condition.[2] Women with both conditions may reach high risk 26 years earlier. Addressing heart, kidney and metabolic health at every stage of life can improve women's quality of life and overall health. 3. Know your connected risk factors. Many people who have high blood pressure or diabetes, which increases the risk for kidney disease, are unaware of their kidney health due to lack of screening. Kidney health is assessed by either a urine test for protein or a blood test for the kidneys' filtration rate. Too much protein in the urine or a low filtration rate can indicate kidney disease. Since high blood pressure and early stages of kidney disease and diabetes often don't have symptoms, regular screening is necessary to be aware of your risk. "Knowing your health numbers is critical to optimize your CKM health and prioritize prevention of heart, kidney and metabolic disease," said Khan, who is on the science advisory group for the CKM health initiative. Appropriate levels of CKM health factors for women are: Blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg Cholesterol levels that are important for CKM health: Triglycerides below 135 mg/dL HDL (High-density lipoprotein, a.k.a. "good" cholesterol) above 50 mg/dL Weight assessments include waist circumference and body mass index (BMI): Waist circumference less than 35 inches (31 inches for Asian women) BMI under 25 kg/m2 (under 23 kg/m2 for Asian women) Blood sugar level, an assessment of diabetes risk, is measured in two ways: Fasting blood glucose (short-term blood sugar) 70-99 mg/dL A1C (long-term blood sugar control) below 5.7% Kidney health assessments: UACR (urine test for protein) - under 30 mg/g eGFR (blood test for filtration rate) 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or higher When one CKM health factor is at an abnormal level it can bring others to unhealthy levels, too. However, the efforts to improve levels in one area whether through lifestyle changes or appropriate medication can also bring the others back into balance. 4. Pregnancy and menopause affect women's CKM health. "Each pregnancy is a window into later heart, kidney and metabolic health," said Janani Rangaswami, M.D., FAHA, professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension are risk factors for future chronic kidney disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease, said Rangaswami, who is also co-chair of the scientific advisory group for the Association's presidential advisory that defined CKM syndrome. "Anyone wanting to be pregnant should optimize their heart and metabolic health before pregnancy," she added. Changes during menopause also influence long-term heart and metabolic health. This includes declining estrogen levels, increased body fat around the organs, increased cholesterol levels and stiffening or weakening of blood vessels. In addition, early menopause, before age 45, is linked to a higher risk for kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. 5. Social factors impact women in unique ways. Screening for social factors is an important part of CKM health assessment. Negative financial, social and neighborhood influences are associated with low levels of physical activity and healthy eating and high levels of obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Some factors affect women differently than men. Marriage is related to worse health for women, and a higher percentage of women than men delay medical care because of costs. Women also face unique barriers to accessing care. "Women are historically underrepresented in clinical trials, may have lower access to health care, less likely to receive evidence-based medication, and their health concerns may often be overlooked or dismissed," Khan said. "Because women's heart attack symptoms may also include nausea and shortness of breath, some women are told that they are experiencing anxiety." The messages to women are to know your risk and advocate for your health. "It's important to include pregnancy history on health forms and seek appropriate treatment for menopause symptoms," said Rangaswami. "Sometimes being your best advocate is your best bet. We want to encourage every woman to feel empowered to advocate for themselves and their health," said Khan. "This should include requesting thorough screenings at health care visits and talking to a health care professional about your heart, kidney and metabolic health factors." Additional Resources: Spanish news release Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Risk (Nov. 2020) Heart disease could hit up to 28 years sooner for people with CKM syndrome (Nov. 2024) Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews ### The American Heart Association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific Association programs and events. The Association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and biotech companies, device manufacturers and health insurance providers and the Association's overall financial information are available here. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public's health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. For Media Inquiries: 214-706-1173 Maggie Francis: 214-706-1382; For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721) and [1] Facts | Go Red for Women [2] Abstract 4132341: Systematic Examination of the AHA PREVENT Equations | Circulation Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
AI-assisted approach can help in early detection of renal dysfunction: Doc
Prayagraj: The Annual Refresher Course, 'IMA CGP Update 2025', themed ' Nephrology Update 2025 ', was held on Sunday at the AMA Convention Center. Dr Dharmendra Bhadauria, a senior nephrologist at Medanta Lucknow, spoke about the approach to patients with renal disease. He said, "An AI-assisted approach to managing patients with renal dysfunction can significantly enhance early detection, improve diagnostic accuracy, and personalise treatment plans. AI algorithms can analyse large datasets of patient information, including lab results, imaging data, and medical history, to identify patterns indicative of kidney disease and predict its progression. This allows for timely interventions and potentially slows disease progression." Dr R K Sharma, former director of SGPGI Lucknow and head of the department of nephrology at Medanta Lucknow, delivered the Dr V K Agarwal Oration . He stated that kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is defined as a health disorder attributable to connections among obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. CKM syndrome includes those at risk for CVD and those with existing CVD. Prof Dr Anupama Kaul, from the department of dephrology at SGPGI Lucknow, discussed pregnancy and renal disease. She said that women with kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Kidney disease can increase the risk of preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth. Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and fetal growth is essential throughout pregnancy. Adjustments to diet and lifestyle, such as reducing salt intake and managing high blood pressure, may be necessary. Dr Jeyakumar Meyppan, professor and HOD of nephrology at SGPGI Lucknow, gave a lecture on the management of nondiabetic kidney disease in type 2 DM patients. He explained that a balanced diet with limited sodium and protein intake can help manage blood pressure and kidney function. Regular physical activity can improve blood sugar control and overall cardiovascular health, particularly for individuals who are overweight or obese.
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
AI-assisted approach can help in early detection of renal dysfunction: Doc
Prayagraj: The Annual Refresher Course, 'IMA CGP Update 2025', themed ' Nephrology Update 2025 ', was held on Sunday at the AMA Convention Center. Dr Dharmendra Bhadauria, a senior nephrologist at Medanta Lucknow, spoke about the approach to patients with renal disease. He said, "An AI-assisted approach to managing patients with renal dysfunction can significantly enhance early detection, improve diagnostic accuracy, and personalise treatment plans. AI algorithms can analyse large datasets of patient information, including lab results, imaging data, and medical history, to identify patterns indicative of kidney disease and predict its progression. This allows for timely interventions and potentially slows disease progression." Dr R K Sharma, former director of SGPGI Lucknow and head of the department of nephrology at Medanta Lucknow, delivered the Dr V K Agarwal Oration. He stated that kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is defined as a health disorder attributable to connections among obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. CKM syndrome includes those at risk for CVD and those with existing CVD. Prof Dr Anupama Kaul, from the department of dephrology at SGPGI Lucknow, discussed pregnancy and renal disease. She said that women with kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Kidney disease can increase the risk of preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth. Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and fetal growth is essential throughout pregnancy. Adjustments to diet and lifestyle, such as reducing salt intake and managing high blood pressure, may be necessary. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Have A Computer, This Adventure Game Is A Must-Play. Adventure Game Play Now Undo Dr Jeyakumar Meyppan, professor and HOD of nephrology at SGPGI Lucknow, gave a lecture on the management of nondiabetic kidney disease in type 2 DM patients. He explained that a balanced diet with limited sodium and protein intake can help manage blood pressure and kidney function. Regular physical activity can improve blood sugar control and overall cardiovascular health, particularly for individuals who are overweight or obese. Prayagraj: The Annual Refresher Course, 'IMA CGP Update 2025', themed 'Nephrology Update 2025', was held on Sunday at the AMA Convention Center. Dr Dharmendra Bhadauria, a senior nephrologist at Medanta Lucknow, spoke about the approach to patients with renal disease. He said, "An AI-assisted approach to managing patients with renal dysfunction can significantly enhance early detection, improve diagnostic accuracy, and personalise treatment plans. AI algorithms can analyse large datasets of patient information, including lab results, imaging data, and medical history, to identify patterns indicative of kidney disease and predict its progression. This allows for timely interventions and potentially slows disease progression." Dr R K Sharma, former director of SGPGI Lucknow and head of the department of nephrology at Medanta Lucknow, delivered the Dr V K Agarwal Oration. He stated that kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome is defined as a health disorder attributable to connections among obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and cardiovascular disease (CVD), including heart failure, atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease. CKM syndrome includes those at risk for CVD and those with existing CVD. Prof Dr Anupama Kaul, from the department of dephrology at SGPGI Lucknow, discussed pregnancy and renal disease. She said that women with kidney disease are at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. Kidney disease can increase the risk of preterm delivery, fetal growth restriction, and stillbirth. Regular monitoring of kidney function, blood pressure, and fetal growth is essential throughout pregnancy. Adjustments to diet and lifestyle, such as reducing salt intake and managing high blood pressure, may be necessary. Dr Jeyakumar Meyppan, professor and HOD of nephrology at SGPGI Lucknow, gave a lecture on the management of nondiabetic kidney disease in type 2 DM patients. He explained that a balanced diet with limited sodium and protein intake can help manage blood pressure and kidney function. Regular physical activity can improve blood sugar control and overall cardiovascular health, particularly for individuals who are overweight or obese.
