Diabetes is a complex metabolic disorder triggered by the deficient secretion of
insulin by pancreatic β cells, the resistance of peripheral tissues to the action of the
hormone, or both, and is characterized by chronic
hyperglycemia leading to organ damage and failure. Tight
glycemic control represents the best
therapy to delay or stop progression of diabetes, with many
antidiabetic drugs being commercially available nowadays. However, no ideal normoglycemic agent has been developed as yet, and those already available still induce
hypoglycemia and/or
weight gain as major side effects, worsening
glycemic control. In this respect, the inorganic
salt sodium tungstate (Na2 WO4 ) has been proven to offer a good
antidiabetic alternative in different animal models of diabetes, reducing
body weight and normalizing glycemia without causing
hypoglycemic episodes. The mechanisms of action mediating the potent
antidiabetic actions but also the spectrum of undesirable effects of Na2 WO4 are still poorly understood. In fact, along with its beneficial effects, Na2 WO4 has been consistently reported to be toxic and even carcinogenic. Given that Na2 WO4 is accumulated in the kidneys for elimination, here, we discuss a possible association between long-term Na2 WO4 treatment and a higher risk of renal
carcinogenesis in diabetic individuals.