Rationale of the Week | Metformin and Cancer
For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on the interaction of Metformin with cancer. 66% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question
Question: JR is taking Metformin 1000mg BID but is worried about getting cancer and is thinking about stopping the metformin.
Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding diabetes, metformin and cancer?
Answer Choices:
- There is research suggesting that metformin may be associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers.
- Metformin is associated with B12 deficiency and anemia, so it is best to hold metformin for now.
- There is no additional benefit from metformin, since people with diabetes have a slightly lower risk of liver and uterine cancers.
- Metformin does not increase risk of cancer, but it can negatively impact renal function.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is correct. 65.63% chose this answer. “There is research suggesting that metformin may be associated with a decreased risk of certain cancers.” Yes, this is the best answer. According to the ADA Standards, there is ongoing research on metformin’s potential role for decreasing and treating certain cancers due to it’s anti-inflammatory action at a cellular level. Metformin is the most common diabetes medication in use worldwide for good reason. It is affordable and effective. In addition to lowering blood glucose and LDL cholesterol, metformin increases gut microbiota diversity and has an excellent safety profile. See our Meds PocketCard for more info.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 5.47% of you chose this answer. “Metformin is associated with B12 deficiency and anemia, so it is best to hold metformin for now.” While it is true that some individuals experience B12 deficiency with metformin, the benefits of metformin outweigh the potential impact on vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to evaluate anemia and nerve pain in people on metformin and provide B12 replacement therapy if indicated. See our Meds PocketCard for more info.
Answer 3 is incorrect. About 1.95% of respondents chose this. “There is no additional benefit from metformin, since people with diabetes have a slightly lower risk of liver and uterine cancers.” People with diabetes have increased risk of breast, liver and pancreatic cancers. Encouraging healthy lifestyle along with regular cancer screenings is an integral part of providing diabetes care. See our Meds PocketCard for more info.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 26.95% chose this answer. “Metformin does not increase risk of cancer, but it can negatively impact renal function.” This answer is FALSE. Many people with diabetes have recently shared with me that they are worried that metformin is “bad” for them and causes kidney damage. There is no data to support this and the opposite is actually true. Since metformin lowers A1C by 1-2% points, it protects the kidneys and blood vessels. Metformin is mostly cleared by the kidneys, so the GFR needs to be at least 30 mL/min to safely take metformin. However, metformin has no negative impact on kidney function and is considered a very safe and beneficial diabetes medication by the scientific and medical community, See our Meds PocketCard for more info.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!
|
|
We love her wicked sense of humor, organizational skills, and extensive knowledge, all packaged together with her big-hearted humanity. Bryanna is also the proud mama of Biscuit and Muffin, who she often features as the feline stars in her “Cat Bakery.” Thank you, Bryanna, for your generosity and for leading our team with your expertise, humanity, and kindness. |
Sign up for Diabetes Blog Bytes – we post weekly Blog Bytes that are informative and FREE! Every week we post one exam practice Question of the Week and Rationale of the Week. Sign up below!
Accreditation: Diabetes Education Services is an approved provider by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider 12640, and our CPEU courses have received Prior Approval* from the Commission of Dietetic Registration (CDR), Provider DI002. Since our CPEU courses received Prior approval* from the CDR, these CPEU courses satisfy the CE requirements for the CDCES /BC-ADM regardless of your profession!
The use of DES products does not guarantee the successful passage of the certification exam. CBDCE and ADCES do not endorse any preparatory or review materials for the CDCES or BC-ADM exams, except for those published by CBDCE & ADCES.
![](/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/insta-png-v5.png")
